System for location based triggers for mobile devices

ABSTRACT

Various systems are provided comprising: a building including one or more facilities each including at least one broadcast short-range communications unit having a fixed location, an application/computer code configured for execution by at least one of a plurality of mobile devices, and at least one server, that, together, are configured to cooperate to trigger one or more mobile device actions including causing to be output visual information, based on particular location-relevant information that is, in turn, based on at least one value.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/243,049 filed Jan. 8, 2019, which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/947,767 filed Apr. 6, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,194,292, which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/785,369 filed Oct. 16, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,973,899, which,in turn, is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/410,197 filedMar. 1, 2012, which, in turn, claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/517,584, filed Mar. 1, 2011, each of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to network communications, and moreparticularly to network communications with mobile devices.

SUMMARY

In one possible embodiment, a system is provided, comprising: a buildingincluding a plurality of facilities therein, the building including: afirst broadcast short-range communications unit having a first fixedlocation and configured to: generate one or more first broadcastmessages including at least one first value, broadcast, via a firstwireless communications protocol, the one or more first broadcastmessages including the at least one first value, for intended receipt bya plurality of mobile devices in a communication range of the firstbroadcast short-range communications unit, and re-broadcast, via thefirst wireless communications protocol, the one or more first broadcastmessages including the at least one first value, for intended receipt bythe plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the firstbroadcast short-range communications unit, and a second broadcastshort-range communications unit having a second fixed location andconfigured to: generate one or more second broadcast messages includingat least one second value, broadcast, via the first wirelesscommunications protocol, the one or more second broadcast messagesincluding the at least one second value, for intended receipt by theplurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the secondbroadcast short-range communications unit, and re-broadcast, via thefirst wireless communications protocol, the one or more second broadcastmessages including the at least one second value, for intended receiptby the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of thesecond broadcast short-range communications unit, code configured to beexecuted by at least one of the plurality of mobile devices, the code,when executed, configured to: receive an indication of a receipt, fromthe first broadcast short-range communications unit and via the firstwireless communications protocol, of the one or more first broadcastmessages including the at least one first value, receive an indicationof a receipt, from the second broadcast short-range communications unitand via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or moresecond broadcast messages including the at least one second value, andcause to be sent, from the at least one mobile device and via a secondwireless communications protocol and an Internet Protocol, at least onemessage; and at least one server configured to: receive, from the atleast one mobile device and via the Internet protocol, the at least onemessage, in response to the receipt, from the at least one mobile deviceand via the Internet protocol, of the at least one message: retrievefirst location-relevant information and second location-relevantinformation, and after the location-relevant information is retrieved,cause to be sent, from the at least one server to the at least onemobile device and via the Internet protocol, a response messageincluding the first location-relevant information and the secondlocation-relevant information; said code, when executed, furtherconfigured to: receive, from the at least one server and via the secondwireless communications protocol and the Internet Protocol, the responsemessage including the first location-relevant information and the secondlocation-relevant information, after the receipt, from the at least oneserver and via the second wireless communications protocol, of theresponse message including the first location-relevant information andthe second location-relevant information: cause to be output, via the atleast one mobile device, first visual information based on the firstlocation-relevant information, and after the receipt, from the at leastone server and via the second wireless communications protocol, of theresponse message including the first location-relevant information andthe second location-relevant information; after the first visualinformation is caused to be output based on the first location-relevantinformation; and after the at least one mobile device is moved in thebuilding: cause to be output, via the at least one mobile device, secondvisual information based on the second location-relevant information.

In one possible embodiment, a system is provided, comprising: a buildingincluding a plurality of facilities therein, the building including: afirst broadcast short-range communications unit having a first fixedlocation and configured to: generate one or more first broadcastmessages including at least one first value, broadcast, via a firstwireless communications protocol, the one or more first broadcastmessages including the at least one first value, for intended receipt bya plurality of mobile devices in a communication range of the firstbroadcast short-range communications unit, and re-broadcast, via thefirst wireless communications protocol, the one or more first broadcastmessages including the at least one first value, for intended receipt bythe plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the firstbroadcast short-range communications unit, and a second broadcastshort-range communications unit having a second fixed location andconfigured to: generate one or more second broadcast messages includingat least one second value, broadcast, via the first wirelesscommunications protocol, the one or more second broadcast messagesincluding the at least one second value, for intended receipt by theplurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the secondbroadcast short-range communications unit, and re-broadcast, via thefirst wireless communications protocol, the one or more second broadcastmessages including the at least one second value, for intended receiptby the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of thesecond broadcast short-range communications unit, code configured to beexecuted by at least one of the plurality of mobile devices, the code,when executed, configured to: receive an indication of a receipt, fromthe first broadcast short-range communications unit and via the firstwireless communications protocol, of the one or more first broadcastmessages including the at least one first value, in response to theindication of the receipt, from the first broadcast short-rangecommunications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol,of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least onefirst value: cause to be sent, from the at least one mobile device andvia a second wireless communications protocol and an Internet Protocol,at least one first message; receive an indication of a receipt, from thesecond broadcast short-range communications unit and via the firstwireless communications protocol, of the one or more second broadcastmessages including the at least one second value, and in response to theindication of the receipt, from the second broadcast short-rangecommunications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol,of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least onesecond value: cause to be sent, from the at least one mobile device andvia the second wireless communications protocol and the InternetProtocol, at least one second message; at least one server configuredto: receive, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internetprotocol, the at least one first message, in response to the receipt,from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol, ofthe at least one first message: retrieve first location-relevantinformation, in response to the first location-relevant informationbeing retrieved, cause to be sent, from the at least one server to theat least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol, a firstresponse message including the first location-relevant information;receive, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internetprotocol, the at least one second message, in response to the receipt,from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol, ofthe at least one second message: retrieve second location-relevantinformation, in response to the second location-relevant informationbeing retrieved, cause to be sent, from the at least one server to theat least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol, a secondresponse message including the second location-relevant information;said code, when executed, further configured to: receive, from the atleast one server and via the second wireless communications protocol,the first response message including the first location-relevantinformation, in response to the receipt, from the at least one serverand via the second wireless communications protocol and the InternetProtocol, of the first response message including the firstlocation-relevant information: cause to be output, via the at least onemobile device, first visual information based on the firstlocation-relevant information, receive, from the at least one server andvia the second wireless communications protocol, the second responsemessage including the second location-relevant information, after thefirst visual information is caused to be output based on the firstlocation-relevant information; after the at least one mobile device ismoved in the building; and in response to the receipt, from the at leastone server and via the second wireless communications protocol, of thesecond response message including the second location-relevantinformation: cause to be output, via the at least one mobile device,second visual information based on the second location-relevantinformation.

In other embodiments, different systems are provided which omit one ormore features of the previous embodiment(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a network architecture, in accordance with onepossible embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method providing a location based trigger for amobile device, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method providing a relevancy based trigger for amobile device, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system for location and/or relevancy based triggersfor mobile devices, in accordance with yet another embodiment.

FIG. 6A illustrates a system for hierarchical information distributionand collection by region, in accordance with still yet anotherembodiment.

FIG. 6B illustrates a system for hierarchical information distributionand collection by network technology, in accordance with yet anotherembodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a message structure, in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates location header formats, in accordance with yetanother embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates location encoding formats, in accordance with yetanother embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a service header, in accordance with yet anotherembodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates service encoding formats, in accordance with stillyet another embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates hardware of a location proxy server apparatus, inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method for data distribution, in accordance withanother embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method for data collection, in accordance withanother embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method for data re-broadcasting, in accordancewith another embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates an attribute interface, in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method for configuration of compound locations forinformation distribution using information collection, in accordancewith yet another embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates various user information delivery interfaces, inaccordance with still yet another embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an automotive system, in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates automotive information delivery using augmentedreality, in accordance with yet another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a network architecture 100, in accordance with onepossible embodiment. As shown, at least one network 102 is provided. Inthe context of the present network architecture 100, the network 102 maytake any form including, but not limited to a telecommunicationsnetwork, a local area network (LAN), a wireless network, a wide areanetwork (WAN) such as the Internet, peer-to-peer network, cable network,etc. While only one network is shown, it should be understood that twoor more similar or different networks 102 may be provided.

Coupled to the network 102 is a plurality of devices. For example, aserver computer 104 and an end user computer 106 may be coupled to thenetwork 102 for communication purposes. Such end user computer 106 mayinclude a desktop computer, lap-top computer, and/or any other type oflogic. Still yet, various other devices may be coupled to the network102 including a personal digital assistant (PDA) device 108, a mobilephone device 110, a television 112, a vehicle 114, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system 200, in accordance with oneembodiment. As an option, the system 200 may be implemented in thecontext of any of the devices of the network architecture 100 of FIG. 1.Of course, the system 200 may be implemented in any desired environment.

As shown, a system 200 is provided including at least one centralprocessor 201 which is connected to a communication bus 202. The system200 also includes main memory 204 [e.g. random access memory (RAM),etc.]. The system 200 also includes a graphics processor 206 and adisplay 208.

The system 200 may also include a secondary storage 210. The secondarystorage 210 includes, for example, a hard disk drive and/or a removablestorage drive, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive,a compact disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive reads from and/orwrites to a removable storage unit in a well known manner.

Computer programs, or computer control logic algorithms, may be storedin the main memory 204, the secondary storage 210, and/or any othermemory, for that matter. Such computer programs, when executed, enablethe system 200 to perform various functions (to be set forth below, forexample). Memory 204, storage 210 and/or any other storage are possibleexamples of tangible computer-readable media.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 providing a location based trigger for amobile device, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, themethod 300 may be implemented in the context of the architecture andenvironment of the previous Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Ofcourse, however, the method 300 may be carried out in any desiredenvironment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally applyto the description below.

As shown in operation 302, a location is identified. In the context ofthe present description, such location may include any location and maybe identified in any desired manner. For example, the location may be apoint (e.g. a particular geographical coordinates), an area (e.g. a setof geographical coordinates, a city, etc.), a volume, a road (or segmentthereof), a place of business, a road intersection, a landmark, and/orany other location described herein.

As a further option, the location may be a location that has beenpredetermined. For example, the location may be one of a plurality ofpredetermined locations. Such predetermined location(s) may beconfigured by a user of the mobile device, a content and/or serviceprovider, etc. Furthermore, the location(s) may be predetermined by acontent and/or service provider, exemplary reasons for which will be setforth more detail below.

As yet another option, the location may be one having at least onepredetermined physical and/or logical attribute. For example, thephysical attribute may be an address or other geographic coordinates, aregion defined by physical boundaries (e.g. a shopping center, a sportsvenue, a political region such as a city or county, etc.). As otherexamples, the logical attributes may be types of venues (e.g. sportsfacilities, theatres, parks, etc.), categories of retail stores orservice venues (e.g. shoe stores, drug stores, clothing stores, hobbystores, sports clubs, etc.), facilities associated with specific brands(e.g. all facilities associated with a given brand or company),locations associated with specified attributes such as places where aspecified density of people meeting some specified demographic (e.g.age, gender, hobbies, interests, friends, etc.), etc.

Moreover, the location may be identified in any manner. In oneembodiment, the location may be identified by being received. Just byway of example, it may be received by a network component that isseparate from the mobile device, and optionally in communication withthe mobile device (e.g. via a network, such as any of the networksdescribed above with reference to FIG. 1). As another example, thelocation may be received from/utilizing the mobile device.

In another embodiment, the location may be identified by querying adatabase (e.g. for a location of the mobile device, for mobile devicesat the location, etc.). For example, the database may store mobiledevice locations. Such mobile device locations stored in the databasemay be periodically updated, updated in response to a change in locationof mobile devices, etc. In this way, the location may be identified byas a result of the query to the database indicating that the mobiledevice is present at the location

In yet another embodiment, the location may be identified utilizing aglobal positioning system (GPS), digital map, or any other locationidentifying device. Thus, as an option, the location identifying devicemay be a component of the mobile device. Of course, however, thelocation identifying device may or may not be associated with the mobiledevice in any manner.

Further, as shown in operation 304, information is communicated with atleast one mobile device, based on the location. In the context of thepresent description, the mobile device (or otherwise referred to asmobile device) may be any device with mobile communication capabilities.For example, the mobile device may be a wireless PDA, a mobile phonedevice, a wireless tablet computer, a smartphone, a wireless navigationdevice, a vehicle (such as a boat, car, plane, train, etc.), etc. Itshould be noted that while only one mobile device is referenced below,the present method 300 may be used with respect to a plurality of mobiledevices, in other embodiments.

Also in the context of the present description, the information may beany type of information capable of being communicated (e.g. provisioned,transmitted, broadcasted, messaged, displayed, etc.) with respect to themobile device. Just by way of example, the information may be content(e.g. an advertisement, coupon, digital media, etc.). As anotherexample, the information may be a service (e.g. mobile communicationsservice, etc.).

It should be noted that the communication of the information may involveany type of communication enabled with respect to the mobile device. Forexample, the communication may involve a wireless communicationprotocol. In various embodiments, the communication may includebroadcasting the information (i.e. broadcast communications), addressingthe information (i.e. addressed communications), etc.

In one embodiment, the information may be communicated by receiving theinformation. Optionally, the mobile device may receive the information(e.g. from the network component, another mobile device, etc.). Asanother option, the network component may receive the information (e.g.from the mobile device).

In another embodiment, the information may be communicated by sendingthe information. Optionally, the mobile device may send the information(e.g. to the network component, to another mobile device, etc.). Asanother option, the network component may send the information (e.g. tothe mobile device).

In yet another embodiment, the information may be communicated bydisplaying the information. For example, the information may bedisplayed on the mobile device, on the network device, etc. Such displayof the information may be accomplished using a graphical user interfacepresenting the information on a display screen of the mobile device,network device, etc.

As noted above, the information is communicated with the mobile device,based on the location. As an option, in one embodiment, the location maybe the basis of communicating the information such that the informationis only communicated with the mobile device as a result of adetermination that the mobile device is present at the (e.g.predetermined) location. Thus, the information may optionally becommunicated specifically with respect to the location at which themobile device is present.

As another option, the location may be the basis of communicating theinformation such that the information is communicated based on adetermination that the mobile device is present at the (e.g.predetermined) location. For example, the information may becommunicated with an identification of the location at which the mobiledevice has been indicated as being present. Of course, however, theinformation may be communicated with the mobile device in any mannerthat is based on the location.

As a further option, the information may be communicated (e.g. with themobile device) based on other factors. In various embodiments, suchfactor(s) may include a preference of a user of the mobile device, aprofile of such user, a requirement of the information (e.g. asconfigured by a provider of the information), and/or any otherparameter, data, etc. capable of being a basis for the communication ofthe information.

To this end, information is communicated with a mobile device, based onan identified location. In one embodiment, the mobile device, thenetwork component, etc. may operate to identify the location (operation302) and communicate information with the mobile device based on thelocation (operation 304). Thus, for example, a computer program producthaving code, which when executed by a processor, performs operations302-304 may be resident on the mobile device, the network component,etc.

More illustrative information will now be set forth regarding variousoptional architectures and features with which the foregoing techniquesdiscussed in the context of any of the present or previous figure(s) mayor may not be implemented, per the desires of the user. For instance,various optional examples and/or options associated with the locationidentification of operation 302, the information communication ofoperation 304, and/or other optional features have been and will be setforth in the context of a variety of possible embodiments. It should bestrongly noted, however, that such information is set forth forillustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in anymanner. Any of such features may be optionally incorporated with orwithout the inclusion of other features described.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 providing a relevancy based trigger fora mobile device, in accordance with another embodiment. As an option,the method 400 may be implemented in the context of the architecture andenvironment of the previous Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Ofcourse, however, the method 400 may be carried out in any desiredenvironment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally applyto the description below.

As shown in operation 402, information and relevancy data is received atat least one mobile device.

While the information and relevancy data may be received from any deviceand/or network component, in accordance with one possible embodiment,the information and relevancy data may be received from at least oneother mobile device. In such embodiment, the mobile devices may be anydevices each having mobile communication capabilities such that theinformation may be received at the one mobile device from the othermobile device. As an option, the mobile devices may each be controlledby a user of a respective one of the mobile devices. In the presentembodiment, the information may be received at the one mobile devicedirectly from the other mobile device (i.e. without passing through anintermediary network component). With respect to such embodiment, themobile devices may be in communication with each other to allow the onemobile device to directly receive the information from the other mobiledevice. For example, the mobile devices may be in communication via asingle network. Of course, the information may be received at the onemobile device indirectly from the other mobile device (i.e. by passingthrough at least one intermediary network component). With respect tosuch embodiment, the mobile devices may optionally only be incommunication with each other indirectly to allow the one mobile deviceto indirectly receive the information from the other mobile device. Forexample, the mobile devices may be in communication via multiplenetworks (e.g. with the one mobile device located on one network and theother mobile device located on another network).

In another embodiment, the information may be received at the one mobiledevice from a broadcast of the information sent from any device (e.g.mobile device, network component, etc.). In another embodiment, theinformation may be received at the one mobile device via a messagespecifically targeting the one mobile device. Of course, however, theinformation may be received via any type of communication (e.g. anyprotocol, etc.).

Additionally, the information that is received at the one mobile devicemay be any type of information capable of being communicated between themobile devices. For example, the information may be content, such as anadvertisement, coupon, digital media, a message, etc.

Further, as shown in operation 404, the information is conditionallyacted upon with the at least one mobile device, based on the relevancydata. In the context of the present description, such action may includedisplaying, communicating (e.g. sending and/or receiving, etc.),storing, and/or any other act capable of being carried out, at least inpart, by a mobile device. In the case of displaying, such display of theinformation may be accomplished using a graphical user interfacepresenting the information on a display screen of the mobile device, forexample. In this way, the display may allow a user of the mobile deviceto view the information.

As noted above, the action on the information is conditional based onthe relevancy data. Such relevancy data may include any data that isrelated to relevancy of the information with respect to one or moremobile devices and/or users. For instance, such relevancy may be withrespect to any criteria (e.g. aspect such as location, service, etc.)associated with the mobile device or user thereof. For example, onlyinformation determined to be relevant may be displayed with the mobiledevice receiving such information.

In one embodiment, the relevancy may be determined based on a locationof the at least one mobile device. The location of the mobile device maybe determined, for example, using a location identifying device (e.g.GPS) associated with the mobile device, querying a database for thelocation of the mobile device, etc. In addition, the information may bepredetermined to be relevant to a location or multiple locations, suchthat the information may only be determined to be relevant, and thusacted upon with the mobile device, when the mobile device is located atthe relevant location (or in the event of multiple specific locations,when the mobile device is located at one of the relevant locations).

In another embodiment, the relevancy may be determined based on apreference of a user of the mobile device. The preference may bedetermined from input of the user, a profile of the user, etc.Furthermore, the information may be predetermined to be relevant to apreference or multiple preferences. In this way, the information may beacted upon with the mobile device, when the preference of the user is arelevant preference (or in the case of multiple relevant preferences, isone of the relevant preferences).

While various examples of criteria that may be used for determining therelevancy of the information are described above, it should be notedthat the criteria may be used in any desired manner to determine therelevancy of the information. For example, a valuation of the criteriamay be used to determine the relevancy of the information (e.g. bycomparing the same to a threshold, by applying a function thereto,etc.). As another example, a rule establishing (e.g. requirements of,etc.) relevancy may be applied to the criteria to determine therelevancy of the information.

To this end, information received at a mobile device from at least oneother mobile device may be conditionally displayed with the one mobiledevice, based on a relevancy thereof. This may allow information to becommunicated between mobile devices, where information received at onemobile device from another mobile device is only presented to a user ofthe one mobile device that received the information when the informationis determined to be relevant.

More illustrative information will now be set forth regarding variousoptional architectures and features with which the foregoing techniquesdiscussed in the context of any of the present or previous figure(s) mayor may not be implemented, per the desires of the user. For instance,various optional examples and/or options associated with the informationreceipt of operation 402, the information display of operation 404,and/or other optional features have been and will be set forth in thecontext of a variety of possible embodiments. It should be stronglynoted, however, that such information is set forth for illustrativepurposes and should not be construed as limiting in any manner. Any ofsuch features may be optionally incorporated with or without theinclusion of other features described.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500 for location and/or relevancy basedtriggers for mobile devices, in accordance with yet another embodiment.As an option, the system 500 may be implemented in the context of thearchitecture and environment of the previous Figures and/or anysubsequent Figure(s). Of course, however, the system 500 may beimplemented in any desired environment. Again, the aforementioneddefinitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown, one or more data/content providers 501 and one or moredata/content aggregators 502 communicate with one or more mobilenetworks 506A-N. As also shown, the data/content providers 501 anddata/content aggregators 502 communicate via a broadband backhaulinfrastructure 503 [e.g. using any desired protocol 504, such asInternet Protocol (IP) over the broadband backhaul infrastructure 503].Thus, the data/content providers 501 and data/content aggregators 502may be located on other networks (not shown) which are separate from,but in communication with the mobile networks 506A-N for indirectcommunication with the same via the broadband backhaul infrastructure503.

Of course, it should be noted that the broadband backhaul infrastructure503 may be any platform, network(s) (such as the Internet), etc.enabling communication between each of the data/content providers 501and data/content aggregators 502 with the mobile networks 506A-N. Itshould also be noted that such mobile networks 506A-N may be anynetworks establishing wireless communications between the variousnetwork components described herein. For example, the mobile networks506A-N may include WiFi hotspots (IEEE 802.11), Wimax (IEEE 802.16), adhoc networks (based on 802.11 or 802.11 derivatives such as DSRC,cellular networks (2G: CDMA, GSM; 2.5G: GPRS, 1×RT, EDGE; 3G: CDMA-2000,WCDMA, UMTS; 4G: LTE).

In the present embodiment, the data/content providers 501 may be anynetwork components capable of provisioning content over the mobilenetworks 506A-N. For example, the data/content providers 501 may storethe content for provisioning the same over the mobile networks 506A-N.As another example, the data/content providers 501 may provisionservices for communicating the content over the mobile networks 506A-N.Such content may be provisioned over the mobile networks 506A-N tovarious mobile devices 504, or any other network components, describedbelow.

Also in the present embodiment, the data/content aggregators 502 may beany network components capable of receiving content over the mobilenetworks 506A-N. For example, the data/content aggregators 502 mayreceive the content over the mobile networks 506A-N for storing,aggregating, analyzing, forwarding, etc. such content. Optionally, thedata/content aggregators 502 may receive the content from the variousmobile devices 504, or any other network components, described below.

As also shown, a location proxy server 505A-N at each of the mobilenetworks 506A-N is in communication with the data/content providers 501and data/content aggregators 502 via the broadband backhaulinfrastructure 503. The location proxy servers 505A-N may each be anynetwork component that proxies communications for a respective one ofthe mobile networks 506A-N. In another embodiment (not shown), a singleone of the location proxy servers 505A-N may serve multiple of themobile networks 506A-N, and therefore provide data routing to and fromthe multiple of the mobile networks 506A-N. In yet another embodiment(also not shown), the location proxy servers 505A-N may be integratedwith (i.e. not separate from) network specific gateways 507A-N describedbelow. For that matter, any of the components shown in the presentFigure may or may not be integrated with any one or more of theremaining components.

The location proxy servers 505A-N may be aware of location and/or placeattributes of each of a plurality of network information outlets 508A-N.For example, the location proxy servers 505A-N may be in communicationwith one or more location databases 509 containing address tables thatmay be used by location proxy servers 505A-N to allow a cross referencebetween the network addresses of the network information outlets 508A-Nand the location and/or place attributes of such network informationoutlets 508A-N. Optionally, the location and place attributes of thenetwork information outlets 508A-N may be provided to the locationdatabases 509 by the network information outlets 508A-N, through amanual entry by a system administrator, or may be automatically acquiredthrough manual or automated cross referencing of the location of thenetwork information outlets 508A-N and other geographic and businessinformation. In another embodiment, such information may collected inconnection with a subscription and/or registration process involving thenetwork information outlets 508A-N and/or any of the other componentsshown in the present Figure.

In addition, the location proxy servers 505A-N may be in communicationwith one or more subscriber databases 510 containing information aboutthe data/content aggregators 502 relating to service and locationattributes of interest as specified by those data/content aggregators502. It should be noted that while shown separate, the locationdatabase(s) 509 may be integrated with each of the location proxyservers 505A-N, or they may be remotely connected by way of a network,and/or they may be distributed across a plurality of sites.

Further, as shown, a network gateway 507A-N is provided for eachwireless network 506A-N. The network gateways 507A-N may be utilized toroute information from the broadband backhaul infrastructure 503 to aspecific mobile device 504 or to a group of mobile devices 504 withinthe respective mobile network 506A-N. The network gateways 507A-N mayalso optionally be integrated with the network information outlets508A-N and directly connected to the broadband backhaul infrastructure503 or to an Internet service provider.

The network information outlets 508A-N, which may also be referred toherein as network I/O units, may include for example Dedicatedshort-range communications (DSRC) roadside units (RSU) 508A for a DSRCnetwork 506A, cellular towers 508B for a cellular network 506B, and WiFihot spots 508N for a WiFi Network 506N. Each of the network informationoutlets 508A-N may be fixed at a certain location, and each may beassociated with at least a location attribute, and optionally additionalplace attributes.

The network information outlets 508A-N may directly communicate with themobile devices 504 over a wireless transceiver, and may be connected toan associated one of the network gateways 507A-N via open or proprietarybackhaul networks. It should be noted that the wireless networks 506A-Nmay each be of any type that supports addressed and/or broadcast datacommunications. Thus, the mobile devices 504 may connect to one or moreof the wireless networks 506A-N using addressed and/or broadcastcommunications. In addition, a proprietary and/or open standard backhaulnetwork may connect the network information outlets 508A-N to thelocation proxy servers 505A-N, by way of the network gateways 507A-N.

In the present embodiment, the location proxy servers 505A-N mayabstract the knowledge of the specific wireless infrastructure, suchthat messages may be sent by the data/content providers 501 to locations(e.g. instead of specific network addresses), such that knowledge by thedata/content providers 501 of the proprietary mobile networks 506A-N orthe locations of the network information outlets 508A-N may optionallynot be necessary. For example, the data/content providers 501 may sendcontent to a location, the location proxy servers 505A-N may identifythe addresses of network information outlets 508A-N relevant to thelocation (e.g. by querying the location database(s) 509 for networkinformation outlets 508A-N having a location attribute, etc. matchingthe location), and may forward the content to those identified addressesof the relevant network information outlets 508A-N, which may thenforward the content to the mobile devices 504 connected thereto.

By using the above system 500, physical configuration of the mobilenetworks 506A-N can change without changing addressing to networkinformation outlets 508A-N and mobile devices 504. In addition, thedata/content providers 501 do not necessarily have not to know about anychanges in the mobile networks 506A-N. Furthermore, the data/contentproviders 501 and data/content aggregators 502 may optionally only needto know how to reach the location proxy servers 505A-N. The data/contentaggregators 502 may, in one embodiment and from their perspective,acquire information from a physical location without knowing theinfrastructure of the mobile networks 506A-N.

Moreover, messages can be directed by the data/content providers 501 toa location over multiple networks simultaneously, for example, where thelocation is business name capable of having a place of business atmultiple different geographical points. In such example, multiple of thenetwork information outlets 508A-N, located at different physicallocations, may have a location attribute matching the location to whichthe message is directed.

To this end, location and optionally service attributes may be used asthe basis for message routing, using the system described above. Inparticular, the system 500 may resolve internal routing informationbased on location (e.g. coordinates, physical location, logicallocation, functional or commercial description, etc.) attributes of anetwork I/O unit, or mobile device(s) in local proximity of a networkI/O unit 508A-N, such that the sender 501 may send data to the mobiledevice 504 in proximity of the network I/O unit 508A-N based only on thelocation attributes of the network I/O unit 508A-N and the serviceattributes (e.g. type, preferences, authentication, etc.) of the mobiledevice 504. In this way, the system 500 may resolve internal routinginformation based on the location of the network I/O unit 508A-N, suchthat the a user may receive data from mobile device(s) in proximity ofthe network I/O unit 508A-N based only on the location attributes of theNetwork I/O unit 508A-N, and the service attributes of the mobile device504.

FIG. 6A illustrates a system 600 for hierarchical informationdistribution and collection by region, in accordance with still yetanother embodiment. As an option, the system 600 may be implemented inthe context of the architecture and environment of the previous Figuresand/or any subsequent Figure(s). For example, the system 600 may beimplemented with respect to the network components of FIG. 5. Of course,however, the system 600 may be implemented in any desired environment.Again, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to thedescription below.

As shown, a main location proxy server 601 distributes information todifferent regions, each represented by a regional proxy server 602A-N.Each regional proxy server 602A-N distributes information to theappropriate network gateways 507A-N. In the same way, the regional proxyservers 602A-N forward information collected from the mobile devices 504to the data/content aggregators 502 which are subscribers of thecollected information, via the main location proxy server 601.

FIG. 6B illustrates a system 650 for hierarchical informationdistribution and collection by network technology, in accordance withyet another embodiment. As an option, the system 650 may be implementedin the context of the architecture and environment of the previousFigures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however, the system650 may be implemented in any desired environment. Yet again, theaforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown, the main location proxy server 601 distributes information tothe various network specific location proxy servers 505A-N, as describedabove with respect to FIG. 5. However, as not shown in FIG. 5, theinformation is then distributed to different regions, each representedby a regional network gateway 603A-N. In the same way, the regionalnetwork gateways 603A-N forward information collected from the mobiledevices 504 to the network specific location proxy servers 505A-N, andonto the data/content aggregators 502 which are subscribers of thecollected information, via the main location proxy server 601.

FIG. 7 illustrates a message structure 700, in accordance with anotherembodiment. As an option, the message structure 700 may be implementedin the context of the architecture and environment of the previousFigures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however, the messagestructure 700 may be implemented in any desired environment. Yet again,the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the descriptionbelow.

The message structure 700 shown may include the structure of a messagesent by a data/content provider (e.g. item 501 of FIG. 5) for deliveryto a mobile device (e.g. item 504 of FIG. 5). The message structure 700includes a message payload 1400 having content to be provisioned fromthe data/content provider. Such content payload 1400 may be text, media,etc.

The message structure 700 further includes an address header 701 whichis a location proxy address header that designates the location proxyserver (e.g. item 505A-N) to which the message is to be sent. Themessage structure 700 also includes a location header 703 whichaddresses the payload message 701 to a specific location. Moreover, themessage structure 700 includes a service header 704 which may describe atype of service to be used for transmitting the message, along withoptional attributes relevant for service delivery. It should be notedthat the location header and service header may be implemented such thatthey can be extended to provide a wide variety of different ways toencode or reference different types of location or service relatedinformation.

As an option, the payload 1400 may be encrypted, while the headersdescribed above may be readable by proxies. In this way, messages can berouted to a destination without impacting the integrity of the end toend transaction. As a further option, the location header 703 (and/orthe service header 704) may be encrypted to protect from unauthorizedsending of certain information to certain locations.

FIG. 8 illustrates location header formats 800, in accordance with yetanother embodiment. As an option, the location header formats 800 may beimplemented in the context of the architecture and environment of theprevious Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however,the location header formats 800 may be implemented in any desiredenvironment. Still yet again, the aforementioned definitions may equallyapply to the description below.

In the present embodiment, the location header 703 includes a locationidentifier 801 (e.g. road link ID, feature ID, attribute ID) which mayoptionally be used for cross-referencing a particular location. Thelocation header 703 also includes a location type 802 (e.g. point, area,road link) indicating a type of the particular location (i.e. thelocation data format). Further, the location header 703 includeslocation data 803, which may include a latitude value 804 and longitudevalue 805, or other geographical coordinates. As a further option (notshown), the location header 703 may also include a timestamp.

It should be noted that the location headers may identify any desiredlocations, such as street addresses; street or road intersections;parking structures or lots; shopping centers, zones, or specific retailstores or outlets, including special sales at such locations; sportsvenues and or events; theme parks or theme park rides, concerts, orother theatrical or entertainment events, shows and expos such as autoshows, fairs, garden shows, home shows, pet shows etc.; and restaurants,including types of cuisine, food courts, etc.

By using the location header 703, a sender or receiver of data mayspecify a location according to a variety of attributes that maycorrespond to that location such as place names, coordinates, roadintersections, business names, landmarks and other such parameters orattributes. These other attributes may also include logical attributesassociated with information collected from the location such that thelocation attributes of a particular physical location may changedepending the attributes of devices present at the location. Thecorresponding locations may not necessarily be unique, but maycorrespond to a plurality of locations corresponding to the attributesdefined by the sender or receiver, for example specifying the name of aretail outlet might cause data to be sent to the locations of all suchretail outlets, or collected from the locations of all such retailoutlets.

FIG. 9 illustrates location encoding formats 900, in accordance with yetanother embodiment. As an option, the location encoding formats 900 maybe implemented in the context of the architecture and environment of theprevious Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however,the location encoding formats 900 may be implemented in any desiredenvironment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally applyto the description below.

As shown, each location type indicated by a location type message headermay have a different data formats. For example, a point may be encodedby referring to a latitude value 804 and longitude value 805, or inother embodiments may refer to a landmark, a street address, anintersection of two roads, a mile-post and offset, etc.

A circular area may be encoded by referring to an origin latitude 901,an origin longitude 902, and a radius 903. A roadlink may be encoded byreferring to a road link identifier 904, feature attributes 905 (e.g. anaddress number), a direction of travel 906. A rectangular area may beencoded by referring to a latitude lower left corner value 907, alongitude lower left corner value 908, a latitude upper left cornervalue 909, a longitude upper left corner value 910.

Of course, in other embodiments, an area may be encoded by ZIP code,political borders such as county, state, or country, and by referring toroad segments. It should be noted, of course, that the above formats areshown by way of example only, and that there are many other data formatsthat can be used to encode various location types. Just by way ofexample, the Geographic Data Format (GDF 3.0), a CEN and ISO standardfor encoding location data is incorporated herein by reference. Otheroptional standards include the ISO 3166 specification, the OpenGIS KML2.2 Encoding Standard (OGC KML), CityGML, POI XML, RDF™, SIF+, and IETFRFC1712 (http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc1712.html). In addition, privatevendor encoding standards, such as Navteq NN4D and NAVSTREETS® dataformat, may be used.

As a further option, locations may be encoded abstractly using businesstype references such as North American Industry Classification System(NAICS) codes, stock exchange symbols, or other identifying references.Such references may also be combined with other location references suchas city, state or county to reference businesses of a particular type orbrand within a given geographic or jurisdictional region.

In other embodiments, any of the techniques disclosed herein may be usedin combination (with possibly others as well), in order to validate,refine and/or otherwise further identify a location.

FIG. 10 illustrates a service header 1000, in accordance with yetanother embodiment. As an option, the service header 1000 may beimplemented in the context of the architecture and environment of theprevious Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however,the service header 1000 may be implemented in any desired environment.Moreover, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to thedescription below.

In the present embodiment, the service header 704 includes a serviceidentifier 1001 and one or more service attributes 1002 associated withthat service identifier 1001. The service attributes 1002 consist of anattribute type 1003 and an associated attribute value 1004. In theexample shown, the urgency of the message may indicated by an urgencyattribute 1003, which may be encoded with a value 1004 of “HIGH.”

FIG. 11 illustrates service encoding formats 1100, in accordance withstill yet another embodiment. As an option, the service encoding formats1100 may be implemented in the context of the architecture andenvironment of the previous Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Ofcourse, however, the service encoding formats 1100 may be implemented inany desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions mayequally apply to the description below.

As shown, the service encoding formats 1100 include various serviceattributes may be included in a service header 704. For example, theservice attributes 1002 may include any information that is relevant forhandling of the associated message payload by a receiving device (e.g.mobile device). In one embodiment, the service header information mayinclude preference information established by the user of the receivingdevice so that messages may be filtered according to the user'spreferences (e.g. needs, interests, etc.).

Just by way of example, such service header information may include userpreferences as service attributes for the transmission or reception oflocation addressed data. As another example, the service headerinformation may be acquired from other devices or sources associatedwith the user, such as personal devices, or personally associated websites such as MySpace, FaceBook, LinkedIn, etc., or may be set by theuser either through a device user interface, or remotely through anotherinterface that can communicate with the mobile device of the user.

In the examples shown, the service attributes 1002 a service typeattribute 1101, and attribute parameters 1102 for that service typeattribute 1101. For service attributes 1002 having a secured servicetype attribute 1101, such service attributes 1002 may also includeauthentication information 1103. In the first example, where the servicetype attribute 1101 is “Collection,” indicating that the message is fordata collection purposes (i.e. by a data/content aggregator), theattribute parameters 1102 include data types, user profiles, etc. to beused in determining a relevancy of the associated message to thereceiving device.

In the second example, the service type attribute 1101 is“Distribution,” indicating that the message is for data distributionpurposes (i.e. to a mobile device), and the attribute parameters 1102include preferences, profiles, relationships, memberships, etc.associated with the user of the receiving device to be used indetermining a relevancy of the associated message to the receivingdevice.

In the third example, the service type attribute 1101 is “SecuredCollection,” indicating that the message is for secure data collectionpurposes (i.e. by an authenticated data/content aggregator). Theattribute parameters 1102 include a preference attribute list to be usedin determining a relevancy of the associated message to the receivingdevice, and the authentication information 1103 is further included forauthenticating the receiving device.

In the fourth example, the service type attribute 1101 is “SecuredDistribution,” indicating that the message is for secure datadistribution purposes (i.e. to an authenticated mobile device). Theattribute parameters 1102 include a preference attribute list to be usedin determining a relevancy of the associated message to the receivingdevice, and the authentication information 1103 is further included forauthenticating the receiving device.

Thus, the information included in the service attributes 1002 mayinclude various authorizations so that, for example, only users withapproved credentials may receive certain broadcast messages. Theseauthorizations may be implemented in multiple ways.

For example, a general broadcast to a local area regarding a person inthat area in need of medical attention may be encrypted using theservice attributes 1002 format described above, such that only mobiledevice users with appropriate training can decrypt the message andthereby be notified of the need should they choose to provideassistance. Such authorization may involve use of a digital key providedto the user based on a certification, or the mobile device may beinstructed to contact a clearing center to provide specific informationprior to be sent a decryption key. In this way, access rights may beassigned, provided and validated to assure that a sender hasauthorization to send data of a specified type to or from a specifiedlocation, and/or that a receiver has authorization to receive data of aspecified type at or from a specified location.

In other (e.g. less critical) situations, the service attributes 1002may include, for example, membership information so that messagesrelevant to specific membership levels can be targeted only at membersof that level. This may allow information or instruction messages to beissued, for example, at an airport directing elite mileage club membersto one place, while directing other level members to another. The sameservice attributes 1002 format may be used, for example in a shoppingmall, where messages are filtered on reception by comparing the serviceattributes 1002 to the user profile data in the mobile device.Accordingly, messages targeted at teens may be received by mobiledevices belonging to teens, while elderly shoppers might receivemessages targeted to their specific needs or interests.

In still other embodiments, the service attributes 1002 may also includeany attribute, characteristic, I/O value, etc. associated with atargeted device. Just by way of example, the service attributes 1002 mayindicate a particular hardware and/or software aspect (e.g.characteristic, threshold, minimum value, etc.) to indicate which typeof devices are the intended recipient of a message. For instance, suchhardware and/or software aspect may include a minimum memory and/orprocessing capacity, a minimum operation system version, a list of oneor more software applications that are required to be installed [e.g.browser, communication (e.g. email, instant message, etc.) platform,etc.], a list of one or more I/O capabilities (e.g. a minimum screensize, an existence of a particular I/O mechanism such as a camera,accelerometer, GPS, touch screen, etc.).

In other embodiments, the hardware and/or software aspect may be thosethat fluctuate over time. For instance, the hardware and/or softwareaspect may include remaining battery power or life, type and/or number(0, 1, 2, etc.) of open applications or applications currently-in-use,state of device (e.g. power-save mode, awake, phone call active,navigation system currently in use, data plan criteria (e.g. under/overbudget, etc.), etc. As further examples, the service attributes 1002 mayalso include a direction of travel (e.g. moving toward and/or away apredetermined location, etc.), a type and/or speed of travel (e.g.moving or not, moving at a predetermined speed, any movement profilethat indicates driving and/or walking activity, etc.). To this end, onemay be able to ensure that the hardware and/or software is sufficientand/or more suited for a delivery and/or receipt of a particular messagepayload.

In still additional embodiments, the service attributes 1002 may involveapplication-related aspects (e.g. states, criteria, usage, parameters,etc.). For example, the service attributes 1002 may indicate athreshold, prevalence, type, etc. of use of a particular application(e.g. user of device has taken more than 100 pictures with a cameraapplication, user of device regularly uses communication platformapplication, user of device has used a network browser at least once inpast (thus indicating that he/she knows how), user currently has thenetwork browser open, etc. In another example, specific applicationinformation may be specified. For example, the service attributes 1002may specify that a calendar application indicate that the user of thedevice is “free” (i.e. has no scheduled activity, etc.) at a currenttime and/or at a prescribed time/timeframe, etc. As an option, any ofthe aforementioned information may or may not be accessible via anapplication-specific and/or standard application program interface.

In other embodiments, the aforementioned service attribute parametersmay include other device-independent and/or user-independent and/orlocation-independent parameters. For example, such attribute parametersmay include weather parameters (e.g. requirement of no rain or snow,minimum or maximum temperature, etc.), time parameters [e.g. businesshours for a particular region, time of day and/or year, requirement ofdaylight (which may vary based on time of year), school hours (which mayvary based on time of year), stock market activity, etc.

In even other embodiments, the service attributes may include criteriathat involves a plurality of devices and/or users. For example, theservice attributes may specify a threshold number of devices and/orusers, a threshold number of devices and/or users in proximity to apredetermined location, a type of relationship between devices and/orusers, etc. Such relationship may be a “friend” relationship, forexample, as defined by a social networking site. For instance, theservice attributes may indicate a threshold number of social networksite members who have “checked-in” together.

Optionally, other user profile information may be included with anyservice attributes. For example, the service attributes may, in oneembodiment, include purchase history, credit rating, Internet browsingactivity (e.g. tracked by cookies or a social networking site, etc.).Further, other profile information may include gender, age, education,etc.

In still other embodiments, the service attributes may indicate criteriathat is relevant to a receipt/display of, interaction with, etc. aparticular message(s) and/or previous message(s). Just by way ofexample, the service attributes may indicate that a new message is to bedistributed to only those locations/devices/persons that were in receiptof a previous message.

In some embodiments, any of the foregoing location/service attributesand/or parameters may be used as device software/hardware/users profilesfor allowing a sender of messages to define a target audience/device. Inother embodiments in addition or lieu of the foregoing, any of the abovedescribed attributes and/or parameters may be used as preferences forallowing a receiver of messages to control content receipt and/ordisplay. It should also be noted that, in various optional embodiments,any of the foregoing attributes and/or parameters may be used by any oneor more of a plurality of network components (e.g. any of the networkcomponents of FIG. 5, for example) and/or users/administrators thereof,for the purpose of controlling such distribution of messages, receipt ofmessages, and/or display of messages. Of course, it is also contemplatedthat any combination of any of the foregoing attributes and/orparameters may be utilized in such manner.

FIG. 12 illustrates a system 1200 including a location proxy server, inaccordance with another embodiment. As an option, the system 1200 may beimplemented in the context of the architecture and environment of theprevious Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however,the system 1200 may be implemented in any desired environment. Further,the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the descriptionbelow.

The location proxy server 505 may use a microprocessor 1201 to executesoftware 1202. The microprocessor 1201 has access to non-volatile memory1203 and volatile memory 1204 for storing the software 1202 andproviding storage for program data and communication caching. Thelocation proxy server 505 may be further connected to one or morecommunication networks 503 using one or more network interfaces 1206.The location proxy server 505 may further have a real-time clock 1205 toprocess messages based on attributes indicated by headers included insuch messages, such as headers storing time stamps, urgency information,etc.

The software 1202 may provide efficient routing of messages fromdata/content providers to mobile devices and/or from mobile devices todata aggregators, for example, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 for data distribution, in accordancewith another embodiment. As an option, the method 1300 may be carriedout in the context of the architecture and environment of the previousFigures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however, the method1300 may be carried out in any desired environment. Again, theaforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown in operation 1301, a data/content provider creates a payloadmessage to be distributed to mobile devices at a certain location. Inorder to provide the message to only valid (e.g. specific, relevant,etc.) devices, a service header is added to the message to describe thetype of service and any attributes relevant for service delivery(operation 1302).

In operation 1303, the data/content provider adds a location header andlocation proxy address header to this message. The location headerincludes the location type (e.g. point, area, road link), encodedlocation data (e.g. latitude/longitude, x-y, or other geographicalcoordinates) and/or additional parameters (e.g. road link ID, featureID, attribute ID) to address the payload message to a certain location.

As mentioned earlier, any location/service attributes and/or parametersmay be used in connection with the foregoing operations. For example,see the non-limiting examples described in connection with FIGS. 7-11.To this end, the data/content provider may further refine a targetaudience/device for the message payload.

In operation 1304, the data/content provider sends the message to theappropriate location proxy server, which may be addressed by using aTCP/IP or UDP/IP address header, or any other networking address headerfor that matter. In operation 1305, the location proxy server receivesthe message via network from the data/content provider and extracts thelocation header along with the service header and payload message.

In operation 1306, the location proxy server examines the headers, andusing information in a location database, determines the networkaddresses of the relevant network I/O units based on the locationencoded information in the location header and service attributes inservice header. The location proxy server uses the determined networkaddressing information to forward the message to the network I/O unitsdetermined to be relevant via a network gateway and associatedcommunication link of the mobile networks associated with such networkI/O units (operation 1307).

In operation 1308 a, each of the network I/O units receiving the messagebroadcasts the message to all local mobile devices in its communicationrange. As an alternative to operation 1308 a, each of the network I/Ounits may send the message individually to the current network addressesof mobile devices known to be in communications range of the network I/Ounit.

As an option, in various embodiments, any of the aforementionedlocation/service attributes and/or parameters may be used in connectionwith any of operations 1305-1308 a/b to direct the message to anappropriate target audience/device. Again, see, for example, thenon-limiting examples described in connection with FIGS. 7-11.

Furthermore, in operation 1309, a mobile device to which the message isbroadcasted/addressed receives the message from the network I/O unit bywhich the message was sent. The mobile device performs actions based onthe message payload and/or headers included in the message (operation1310). As shown in operations 1311 a-1311 e, such actions may includeany of (and in any order): displaying of certain elements of the payloadmessage, for example, in the form of text, images or video (operation1311 a); generating audio information related to or derived from themessage content (operation 1311 b); producing of other types of userinterface signals usable by the mobile device or its peripheral devicesor interfaces (operation 1311 c); generating and transmitting anothermessage having headers related to, but not necessarily the same as, thereceived message (operation 1311 d); and controlling one or more deviceapplication functions based on the information in the message headers(operation 1311 e).

Examples of such device application functions include requestingadditional device specific information from the network I/O unit fromwhich the message was received, such as security information; decryptingreceived content, holding the message until some other criteria is met(for example the location of the mobile device is within a geographicregion specified in the message, or a specific time elapses, etc.), andthen talking one or more of the actions described in operations 1311a-1311 d, etc. Such actions may also include comparison of the messageheaders and or payload to stored user preferences to determine theappropriate actions, which may optionally include taking no action.

In some embodiments, any of the aforementioned location/serviceattributes and/or parameters (e.g. see non-limiting examples describedin connection with FIGS. 7-11, etc.) may be used in connection with anyof operations 1310-1311 a/b/c/d/e to direct the message to anappropriate target audience/device and/or to allow a receiver (deviceand/or user) of messages to control content receipt and/or display.Specifically, any one or more of operations 1310-1311 a/b/c/d/e mayconditionally occur based on the aforementioned location/serviceattributes and/or parameters.

Of course, it is contemplated that the aforementioned use oflocation/service attributes and/or parameters may or may not be:exclusively on the part of the data/content provider (e.g. via targetdevice/user profiling, etc.), exclusively on the part of the user (e.g.via preference setting, etc.), and/or any combination thereof. Just byway of example, in one embodiment, any one or more of operations1301-1308 a may be exclusively based on the location attributes and/orparameters, such that a large set (e.g. all, nearly all, etc.) ofdevices/users at a predetermined location are capable of receiving themessage. Further, again in the context of the above example, thedevices/users may be exclusively based on the service attributes and/orparameters, such that only a focused subset (e.g. a small fraction,etc.) of the large set of devices/users at the predetermined locationact on the message via any one or more of operations 1310-1311a/b/c/d/e. Again, as mentioned earlier, other embodiments arecontemplated whereby the service attributes and/or parameters may beutilized in connection with any one or more of operations 1301-1308 a,the location attributes and/or parameters may be utilized in connectionwith any one or more of operations 1310-1311 a/b/c/d/e, any mixturethereof, etc.

Thus, the data/content provider may send data to a particular physicallocation such that network devices in that location can receive suchdata only as a result of their physical presence at that location andthe device preferences or authorizations (i.e. service attributes). Theprovider of such data may describe a location tolerance or range suchthat mobile devices within that range may receive such data, but mobiledevices outside that range may not. Still yet, users receiving such datamay not necessarily need to identify themselves to any elements of themobile network, and they may not necessarily require any form of networkidentity or address in order to receive such data. Further, the usersmay further control any aspect (e.g. how, what, when, where, etc.) ofsuch message communication, as desired, via preference setting or thelike. Still yet, as an option, various types of authorization andvalidation may be provided allow a data/content provider to securelysend information to mobile devices within the area corresponding to thespecified location attributes that are also authorized to receive suchdata.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method 1400 for data collection, in accordancewith another embodiment. As an option, the method 1400 may be carriedout in the context of the architecture and environment of the previousFigures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however, the method1400 may be carried out in any desired environment. Again, theaforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown in operation 1401, a mobile device sends a message to localnetwork I/O units (i.e. network I/O units with which the mobile deviceis on communication). In an alternative embodiment (not shown), themobile device may also broadcast the information to other mobile devicesin the same local network or available through ad-hoc networking. In yetanother embodiment, the mobile device may use a positioning system suchas GPS and or a digital map to determine its location and add thelocation type (e.g. point, area, road link), location data, (e.g.latitude/longitude, x-y, or other geographical coordinates) and as wellas additional parameters (e.g. road link ID) to headers of such message.

As shown in operations 1402 a-1402 f, the mobile device may generatesuch message on the basis of a variety of events, such as: a request bythe network I/O unit (operation 1402 a); being located within aspecified geographic region (operation 1402 b); being located within aparticular place identified by a name, encoded name number or symbol orother place attribute (operation 1402 c); a time of day, or time elapsedsince a last message transmission (operation 1402 d); accumulated dataassociated with a parameter associated with the mobile device reaching apre-determined threshold, such as quantity, value, event, etc.(operation 1402 e, where the parameters associated with mobile devicemay include operating parameters for the mobile device or the user, or avehicle in which the mobile device is either embedded, connected orbeing carried, etc.); and reception of a data trigger message fromanother mobile device or from a device located in proximity to, orintegrated with the network I/O unit (operation 1402 f).

As an option, in various embodiments, any of the location/serviceattributes and/or parameters disclosed herein (e.g. see non-limitingexamples described in connection with FIGS. 7-11, etc.) may be used inconnection with any one or more of operations 1401-1402 a/b/c/d/e/f toconditionally trigger the same. In various embodiments, suchlocation/service attributes and/or parameters may be used to trigger thesending of predetermined and/or requested information. Such triggeringmay be in response to a request message, preconfigured settings inassociation with the device, and/or any other mechanism.

Still yet, in addition or lieu of the aforementioned conditionaltriggering, any of the location/service attributes and/or parametersdisclosed herein (e.g. see non-limiting examples described in connectionwith FIGS. 7-11, etc.) may be used to dictate a content of a message. Ofcourse, in other embodiments, any other aspect of the message (e.g.header information, destination information, message trigger criteria,etc.) may be based on the location/service attributes and/or parameters.

In operation 1403, the network I/O unit receives the message from themobile device and adds its location information to the message. Inoperation 1404, the network I/O unit sends the message via a networkgateway included in the associated mobile network to a location proxyserver. It should be noted that the network I/O unit may also aggregatea plurality of messages received either from a single mobile device orfrom multiple mobile devices, and send the aggregated messages as asingle aggregate message to the location proxy server.

In operation 1405, the location proxy server receives the message sentby the network I/O unit, and in operation 1406 the location proxy serverexamines the headers of the message and using a data/content aggregatorsubscriber database, determines the addresses of relevant dataaggregators based on such data aggregators subscription to locationencoded information included in the message headers.

In operation 1407, the location proxy server distributes the receivedmessages to the appropriate data aggregators (e.g. via a backhaulconnection). It should be noted that depending on the contents oflocation subscriber database, the location proxy server may distributeall messages with the specified location and content information to adata/content aggregator or it may distribute portions of those messages.In operation 1408, the data/content aggregators receive the messages forfurther processing.

In a variety of embodiments, any of the location/service attributesand/or parameters disclosed herein (e.g. see non-limiting examplesdescribed in connection with FIGS. 7-11, etc.) may be used in connectionwith any one or more of operations 1403-1408 to govern whether (and, ifso, a manner in which) messages are routed and/or to where. Of course,like every feature disclosed herein, such technique is optional.

To this end, data aggregator may receive data sent from any mobiledevices located at a location specified by the data aggregator that aresending data. Such a data aggregator may specify a tolerance or rangesuch that it will receive data sent by mobile devices within thatlocation range or area, and optionally not from mobile devices notwithin the specified area. In addition, users sending such data may notnecessarily identify themselves to any elements of the mobile networkwith which they are associated, and they may not require any form ofnetwork identity or address in order to send such data. Various types ofauthorization and validation may be provided to allow a data aggregatorto securely receive information from mobile devices within the areacorresponding to the specified location attributes that are alsoauthorized to send such data.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method 1500 for data re-broadcasting, inaccordance with another embodiment. As an option, the method 1500 may becarried out in the context of the architecture and environment of theprevious Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however,the method 1500 may be carried out in any desired environment. Yetagain, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to thedescription below.

Assuming a mobile device has received and acted on a message generatedby a data/content provider, for example, as described in connection withFIG. 13 (e.g. received and displayed the message), the mobile device mayfurther distribute such received message. Such distribution mayoptionally be independent of a network I/O unit, as described below withreference to the method 1500 of FIG. 15.

In operation 1501, a mobile device waits to receive a message. When themobile device receives a message broadcast from, or sent by, a networkI/O unit or other mobile device (e.g. within wireless radio range of thereceiving mobile device), as shown in operations 1502 a-1502 b, themobile device examines headers and/or a payload of the message anddetermines that the message is designated for re-broadcast (operation1503).

As an option, in various embodiments, any of the location/serviceattributes and/or parameters disclosed herein (e.g. see non-limitingexamples described in connection with FIGS. 7-11, etc.) may be used inconnection with any one or more of operations 1501-1503 to conditionallytrigger any re-broadcasting. Still yet, in addition or lieu of theaforementioned conditional triggering, any of the location/serviceattributes and/or parameters disclosed herein may be used to dictate acontent of a re-broadcasted message. Of course, in other embodiments,any other aspect of the re-broadcast (e.g. see decisions below, etc.)may be based on the location/service attributes and/or parameters.

As shown in decision 1504, the mobile device compares the headers and/orpayload to a list of cancelled re-broadcast messages received at someearlier time, such that if the message has been cancelled, the mobiledevice deletes the received message, and returns to operation 1501.

Otherwise, as shown in operation 1505, the mobile device generates arandom number (e.g. between −200 and +200) and adds this (i.e. localrepeat interval value) to re-broadcast repeat interval informationcontained in the service header of the message, for example, as measuredin milliseconds. It should be noted that the value of the random numberadded to the re-broadcast repeat interval may depend on the type ofnetwork on which the mobile device is located, and that other values maybe used to optimize performance based on the transmission and messageprocessing time of the mobile network and the mobile device.

Furthermore, the mobile device compares the local repeat interval to thetime elapsed since it last received the same message or transmitted thesame message, and determines in decision 1506 whether the local repeatinterval has elapsed. If the time elapsed since receiving ortransmitting the message is less than the re-broadcast repeat interval,the mobile device returns to decision 1504 (e.g. it waits for the localrepeat interval to expire).

If the time elapsed since receiving or transmitting the message is equalto or greater than the re-broadcast repeat interval, the mobile devicecompares message and/or payload to any messages received since thesubject message was received, and it is determined in decision 1507whether any received messages are the same as the subject message. Ifany of the received messages are the same as the subject message, themobile device returns to operation 1504. Otherwise, if no receivedmessages are the same as the subject message, then the mobile devicecompares the re-broadcast time expiry information contained in theService Header to the current time and determines in decision 1508whether the re-broadcast expiry time is after the current time.

If the re-broadcast expiry time is not after the current time, themessage is deleted and operation returns to operation 1501. If there-broadcast expiry time is after the current time, the mobile devicecompares the re-broadcast region information contained in the locationto its current location and determines in decision 1509 whether the itis inside the re-broadcast region. It should be noted that there-broadcast region may optionally be geographically separate from thereception region in the vicinity of the network I/O unit with which themobile device is in communication.

If the mobile device is not inside the re-broadcast region, it returnsto operation 1504. Otherwise, if the mobile device is inside there-broadcast region, the mobile device broadcasts the message (operation1510) and returns to operation 1504. To this end, the method 1500 maycause messages to be re-transmitted by mobile devices to other mobiledevices within radio range at regularly specified intervals within there-broadcast region. If the message has been re-broadcast by anothermobile device, then all mobile devices receiving such broadcast willreset their re-broadcast timers and continue to wait. If the mobiledevices receive a cancellation message, or if the message expires, thenthey will exit the method 1500 for that message. If the mobile device isnot within the re-broadcast region, then it may hold the message untilit is cancelled, or it expires, or until the mobile device re-enters there-broadcast region.

If the message is not expired or cancelled, and the mobile device isinside the re-broadcast region, then when the local repeat intervalexpires it may re-transmit the message. In this way, the message maycontinue to be broadcast and spread geographically throughout there-broadcast region as long as mobile devices are present. In oneembodiment, if the broadcast region surrounding network I/O units is notthe same as the re-broadcast region, this method 1500 may cause theeffective broadcast region for the message to be the geographic union ofboth regions, or may cause the message to be broadcast in two distinctregions, one in the vicinity of the network I/O units, and one atanother defined location where there is not necessarily a network I/Ounit.

In one embodiment, the range of the network I/O units be such that amobile device in any given location may be able to communicate withmultiple network I/O units, and that such a situation may requireadditional processing to detect duplicate messages received from two ormore network I/O units. Similarly, the broadcast of data from a mobiledevice in any given location may be received by multiple network I/Ounits, and that the location proxy server or the data aggregator mayrequire additional processing to eliminate duplicate messages.

In another embodiment, the mobile device may identify the closestnetwork I/O unit using, for example, the location of the network I/Ounit as included in or appended to the message by the network I/O unitand compared to the location of the mobile device as determined usingglobal positioning system (GPS), time difference of arrival (TDOA),angle of arrival (AOA), received signal strength measurements or otherpositioning schemes. Such positioning schemes may be independent of thenetwork I/O units (e.g. self contained in the mobile device) or they maybe cooperative, wherein the stationary network I/O units each measuresignal strength of each other and/or the mobile devices, and provideinformation to the mobile devices to aid in determining the relativeposition of the mobile device to the network I/O units.

To this end, mobile devices receiving a message in the vicinity of anyof the network I/O units, on the basis of their direction of traveland/or proximity to the specified destination location, may re-broadcastthis data to other mobile devices at other locations. In thisembodiment, a message communicated in this way may flood the regionbetween the network I/O units and the location identified by thelocation parameters by being passed from mobile unit to mobile unituntil the message is transmitted in the vicinity of the destinationlocation. Thus, the re-broadcast of the message may be managed, asdescribed above, to prevent unnecessary re-broadcasting in areas wherethere are multiple mobile devices, and may prevent the propagation ofthe message in directions away from the intended destination, and tolimit the overall geographic spread of message re-broadcasting. Further,as noted above, the message may be deleted after a specified period oftime has elapsed, or if the mobile device moves sufficiently far awayfrom the specified location. Still yet, an “anti-message” may be sentsuch that, when received by a mobile device, will terminate there-broadcast and/or validity of a previously received message subject tosuch re-broadcasting.

FIG. 16 illustrates an attribute interface 1600, in accordance withanother embodiment. As an option, the attribute interface 1600 may beimplemented in the context of the architecture and environment of theprevious Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however,the attribute interface 1600 may be carried out in any desiredenvironment. Again, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply tothe description below.

The attribute interface 1600 allows a user to configure locationattributes (and/or any other attributes, for that matter). For example,a data/content provider may configure the location attributes forassociating the same with a message (e.g. including the locationattributes in a header of the message, etc.), such that a location towhich the message is relevant may be specified. As another example, adata/content distributor may configure the location attributes fordefining the locations of mobile devices from which information is to begathered.

As shown, the location attributes may be defined as physical locations(e.g. address, coordinates, region, etc.), category locations (e.g.retail outlet, event, venue, etc.), named locations (e.g.brands/trademarks, historical, registered under a particular name,etc.), logical locations (e.g. conditional/combinatorial, etc.),personal locations (e.g. people, groups, personal places, etc.), savedlocations (e.g. previous locations, etc.), etc.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the physical location attributesmay be configured by location type in a number of ways. For example, aspecific address (or group of addresses) may be provided to input thelocation after a selection of an address option (as shown) of theattribute interface 1600. In another embodiment, a region (e.g.continent, country, state, county, city, town, etc.) may be input aftera selection of a region option (as shown) of the attribute interface1600. In still another embodiment, a line or zone may be defined inresponse to a selection of a respective geoline or geozone option of theattribute interface 1600.

In an example where the location type option selected includes a zone or“geozone,” an interface portion like that shown may be provided. Forinstance, as shown, a plurality of latitude/longitude pairs may beentered to define a plurality of vertices which, in turn encompass anarea that is desired to be a locational target of one or more messages.As shown, options may be provided for allowing a user to add morevertices as needed, for providing a desired amount of granularity. Asfurther shown, a map option may be provided for allowing a user tosimply mark-up a map which, in turn, may allow code to automaticallygenerate the vertices (or other location-defining information), toaccomplish the same. Strictly as an option, such vertices may berequired to define a closed region.

The attribute interface 1600 may also allow a user to activate andconfigure service attributes, such as profiles associated with mobiledevices/associated users from which information is collected and/orprofiles associated with the mobile devices associated users to whichinformation is distributed. The profiles may include demographicinformation, preference information, any of those shown in the attributeinterface 1600 (or others that are not shown). As further shown in theattribute interface 1600, any location-based collection action may befurther refined by selecting an option to define additional attributes(e.g. via user configuration and/or selection of predeterminedattributes including, but not limited to the non-limiting examplesdescribed in connection with FIGS. 7-11, etc.).

As an additional option, the attribute interface 1600 may provide forselection/configuration of location-based actions in any desired manner[e.g. in response to a selection of an activate option (as shown)]. Forexample, as illustrated, a field may be provided for allowing a user toselect information [e.g. via a text entry of a pointer (as shown), abrowse files menu option, etc.]. Such information may, for example, beconstructed utilizing a separate interface or preconfigured, etc. in theform of messages ready for delivery in a manner dictated by theattribute interface 1600.

As further shown, delivery condition options may be provided inconnection with the attribute interface 1600 to, for example, furtherrefine a target audience by selection/configuration of any desiredattributes (e.g. the non-limiting examples described in connection withFIGS. 7-11, etc.). For instance, as shown, an option may be provided torefine an intended audience to include a predetermined number of usersof a predetermined gender with a certain selected age range who includecertain selected preferences. Of course, other icons [e.g. an add icon(as shown), etc.] may be provided to augment the delivery options, asdesired.

It should be noted that, in various embodiments, any of thelocation/service attributes and/or parameters disclosed herein (e.g. seenon-limiting examples described in connection with FIGS. 7-11, etc.) maybe used in connection with the attribute interface 1600 asselectable/configurable attributes in the context of any of the examplesset forth hereinabove (or others). Further, it should be noted that theattribute interface 1600 (and any other interfaces disclosed herein) maybe implemented in any desired manner including, but not limited toweb-based interfaces, client application interfaces, etc.

In one embodiment, the attribute interface 1600 may be a component of anadvertisement interface that allows content providers, advertisers, etc.to control the sending, display, etc. of messages that includeadvertisements. In such embodiment, an advertisement generationinterface(s) (not shown) may be included for allowing such contentproviders, advertisers, etc. to generate advertisements for inclusionwith the messages. Still yet, an advertisement analytics interface (alsonot shown) may be included for allowing the content providers,advertisers, etc. to run “what-if scenario” tests to determine a scopeof devices/users would receive messages (including advertisements) givena variety of different attribute selections. This may be delivered inthe form of statistics and/or any other techniques. Even still, suchadvertisement analytics interface may also be configured to trackstatistics with respect to message delivery. Of course, such analyticsmay also be based, at least in part, on data collected from locationsusing techniques described in association with FIG. 14.

In other embodiments, the attribute interface 1600 may be a component ofa social networking site, for allowing administrators and/or users tofocus delivery or collection of data. In still other embodiments, theattribute interface 1600 may be a component of a governmental frameworkfor providing emergency information. Of course, the attribute interface1600 may be a component of any desired framework wherelocation/service-based message delivery/collection/display is desired.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method 1700 for configuration of compoundlocations for information distribution using information collection, inaccordance with yet another embodiment. As an option, the method 1700may be carried out in the context of the architecture and environment ofthe previous Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course,however, the method 1700 may be carried out in any desired environment.Again, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to thedescription below.

It should be noted that the present method 1700 may be performed using auser interface capable of being used for configuring attributes (e.g.location/service including, but not limited to the examples described inconnection with FIGS. 7-11, etc.) that may be associated with messagedelivery. Just by way of example, such user interface may be attributeinterface 1600 described above with respect to FIG. 16, but use ofothers is contemplated.

As shown in operation 1701, a type of location definition is selected.For example, the type may be selected from physical locations, categorylocations, named locations, logical locations, personal locations, savedlocations, etc. Location attributes for the selected location type arethen set, as shown in operation 1702. The location attributes (e.g.coordinates, brands, etc.) may be specific to the location type, forexample, as described above with reference to FIG. 16.

In operation 1703, information to be delivered is selected. Theinformation may be any content desired to be delivered to mobiledevices, for example. Further, it is determined whether the delivery isto be conditional (decision 1704). In one embodiment, this may includedetermining whether a user has selected an option that the delivery ofthe information be conditioned on one or more service attributes.

If it is determined that the delivery is not to be conditional, serviceheader information is determined for the information (operation 1710)and the information is distributed (operation 1711). For example, theinformation may be distributed as described above with respect to FIG.13, but other techniques are contemplated, as well.

Returning to decision 1704, if it is determined that the delivery is tobe conditional, it is further determined in decision 1705 whether acollection is defined. The collection may be profile data that isdesired to be collected (e.g. to be used as a basis for targeting mobiledevices/associated users having such profile data when distributing themessage). If it is determined that a collection is not defined,collection attributes are set (operation 1706). If it is determined thata collection is defined, or once the collection attributes are set,delivery conditions are defined, as shown in operation 1707. Thedelivery conditions may indicate the conditions under which the messageis to be delivered.

Further, data is collected, as shown in operation 1708 (e.g. via thedefined collection), and it is determined in decision 1709 whether thedelivery conditions are met. If it is determined that the deliveryconditions are not met, further data is collected. Once it is determinedthat the delivery conditions are met, service header information isdetermined for the message (operation 1710) and the message, having thelocation attributes, service headers, and selected information, isdistributed accordingly.

Just by way of example, a data/content provider might configure theattributes to target a specialized message (e.g. advertisement, offer,coupon, etc.) to all registered users who are within 200 meters of anylocation of a particular brand of retail outlet. As a further example,the data/content provider might, through a location based datacollection process, use the presence of females between 21 and 25 yearsold who list a particular style preference, and are within 200 meters ofany location of a particular brand of retail outlet as the basis forthen delivering a message to mobile devices associated with thosespecified people (e.g. advertisement, offer, coupon, etc.). Suchpreferences may be determined through a registration process (forexample signing up for this service), or through other mechanisms suchas selecting or opting in to the service from a social media servicesuch as Pinterest, Facebook, Google Groups, etc., or via an opt-inprocess as part of a club or other membership/registration process. Suchregistrations may be physical or online.

In yet another example, the aforementioned method 1700 may also be usedby individuals. Optionally, a user might subscribe to a social servicethat will use the location data collection process to determine whatother service members are within a specified distance, and then use thedata distribution process to notify one or more of those members aboutthe presence of others. Such a service might, for example, be used tonotify a member of a dating site that another member that meets theuser's specified attribute profile(s) is in the same bar or other venue.Such a service might also include the ability to control the delivery ofsuch messages by each recipient.

As a further option, an event may be triggered when another person orpersons were located at a particular place. For example, a parent couldset a trigger that was activated when one or more of their children wereat a specific location, possibly at a specific time (e.g. home fromschool, or at after school sports practice or tutoring venues).Similarly, friends may be notified when they arrive at the samelocation.

FIG. 18 illustrates various user information delivery interfaces 1800,in accordance with still yet another embodiment. As an option, theinterfaces 1800 may be implemented in the context of the architectureand environment of the previous Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s).Of course, however, the interfaces 1800 may be carried out in anydesired environment. Again, the aforementioned definitions may equallyapply to the description below.

The user information delivery interfaces 1800 shown are examples of themessages that may be delivered to device devices by data/contentproviders. For example, the messages may include location basedinformation which is only distributed to mobile devices associated witha relevant location and/or additional relevancy attributes.

As shown in FIG. 18, a notification of a store sale may be delivered toa target audience who are most likely to be interested in such saleand/or have an ability to access the store. Further, event informationmay be delivered to users who are most likely to be interested inattending the same and/or have a capability of doing so. Even still, anemergency alert may be sent to users who are most likely to be affectedby an emergency or dangerous condition. Even still, users may bepresented with messages including advertisements (and/or otherinquiries, surveys, etc.) that allow for feedback in the form of aresponse (e.g. “No Thanks,” “Yes,” “Like,” etc.). As an option, suchfeedback may be considered an “attribute” for use in subsequent datacollection/delivery/display, etc.

FIG. 19 illustrates an automotive system 1900, in accordance withanother embodiment. As an option, the automotive system 1900 may beimplemented in the context of the architecture and environment of theprevious Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Of course, however,the automotive system 1900 may be implemented in any desiredenvironment. Again, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply tothe description below.

With the automotive system 1900, any of the message delivery and/ordisplay, data collection, etc. disclosed herein may be carried oututilizing one or more components of the vehicular assembly of theautomotive system, a separate mobile device (e.g. smartphone, tablet,etc.), and/or a combination thereof. For example, in one possibleembodiment, the automotive system may perform any functionalityindependent of any separate mobile device. In another embodiment,however, one or more components of the separate mobile device (e.g. acommunication channel, processing capability, etc.) may be used toperform a first portion of the functionality (e.g. receive message,process the message, etc.), while one or more components of theautomotive system (e.g. a touchscreen, display, etc.) may be used toperform a second portion of the functionality (e.g. display the message,receive feedback in connection with the message, etc.).

In one embodiment, information distribution can be provided in vehicles.As shown, using an automotive system 1900, for example, informationabout events and other location oriented dynamic content might bedelivered (e.g. as described above with reference to the previousFigure(s)) and presented to vehicle occupants using an augmented realitydisplay system that would indicate the direction of such an event orlocation related to the information. Such a display might also be usedto highlight specific landmarks associated with such information (e.g.buildings, venues, locals, signs, etc.) as illustrated in the automotiveinformation delivery using augmented reality interface 2000 shown inFIG. 20.

In the context of the present automotive system 1900, a communicationsystem (not shown) may be provided for enabling communication between amobile device (not shown) and data/content providers/aggregators (notshown). For example, a mobile device may be capable of interfacing witha vehicle including various components of the vehicle. The mobile devicemay include any mobile device capable of interfacing with a vehicleincluding a lap-top computer, hand-held computer, mobile phone, personaldigital assistant (PDA), a music player (e.g. a digital music player,etc.), a GPS device, etc.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may communicate with avehicular assembly system (e.g. a communication and entertainmentsystem, etc.) corresponding to the vehicle via a wireless connection(e.g. Bluetooth, etc.), or via a cable connection (e.g. a USB cable, aserial cable, etc.). As an option, the mobile device may interface withthe communication and entertainment system vehicle utilizing an I/O portof the vehicle. In various embodiments, the I/O port may include aserial port, a USB port, FireWire/i.LINK ports, MirrorLink ports,terminal mode ports, etc. In one embodiment, the I/O port may include awireless communication port.

Using this interface, the mobile device may interface with variouscomponents and functionality of the vehicle (which may or may not beshown in FIG. 19), such as an onboard computer system including aprocessor, memory (e.g. DRAM, flash memory, etc.), an onboard navigationsystem, displays (e.g. a central display, and one or more passengerdisplays, etc.), audio communication devices (e.g. speakers, amicrophone, etc.), and various other components and functionality of thevehicle included in the vehicular assembly system. The interface mayalso allow a user of the vehicle to access and/or control the mobiledevice utilizing controls associated with the vehicle, such as steeringwheel, dashboard, and radio controls. Additionally, the user may accessand/or control the mobile device utilizing the microphone through voicecommands.

Using these components and controls, a user may access and utilize oneor more wireless networks associated with the mobile device. Coupled tothe networks may be servers which are capable of communicating over thenetworks. Also coupled to the networks and the servers may be aplurality of clients.

Such servers and/or clients may each include a desktop computer, lap-topcomputer, hand-held computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant(PDA), peripheral (e.g. printer, etc.), any component of a computer,and/or any other type of logic. In order to facilitate communicationamong the networks, at least one gateway is optionally coupledtherebetween.

It should be noted that the computer system of the vehicle may includevarious software and applications for facilitating communication betweenthe vehicle and the mobile device. For example, in various embodiments,the vehicle computer system may include an operating system (e.g.Windows Mobile, Linux, etc.), embedded speech recognition software,telephone call steering systems, automated telephone directory services,character recognition software, and imaging software.

FIG. 20 illustrates an automotive augmented reality interface 2000, inaccordance with another embodiment. As an option, the automotiveinterface 2000 may be implemented in the context of the architecture andenvironment of the previous Figures and/or any subsequent Figure(s). Ofcourse, however, the automotive interface 2000 may be implemented in anydesired environment. Again, the aforementioned definitions may equallyapply to the description below.

In various embodiments, the interface 2000 and related supportedcomponents may be equipped to receive and/or display and/or collect(e.g. via hand gestures, etc.) messages in any manner that is disclosedherein above in connection with other mobile devices, etc. As a furtheroption, in view of a larger size of the interface 2000 (as compared witha phone, for example), additional attributes may be used to indicate alocation and/or manner in which the messages are displayed. Further,such display may also be a function of a direction of travel of thevehicle (e.g. so that any directional information in the form of arrowsor the like is properly oriented, etc.).

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: providing access to a building including a plurality of building portions, a first broadcast short-range communications unit having a first fixed location, and a second broadcast short-range communications unit having a second fixed location; generating one or more first broadcast messages including at least one first identifier which is separate from an address part of the one or more first broadcast messages; broadcasting, via a first wireless communications protocol, the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, for intended receipt by a plurality of mobile devices in a communication range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit; re-broadcasting, via the first wireless communications protocol, the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit; generating one or more second broadcast messages including at least one second identifier which is separate from an address part of the one or more second broadcast messages; broadcasting, via the first wireless communications protocol, the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in a communication range of the second broadcast short-range communications unit; re-broadcasting, via the first wireless communications protocol, the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the second broadcast short-range communications unit; providing access to an application which, when executed by at least one of the plurality of mobile devices, is configured to cause the at least one mobile device to: allow receipt, from the first broadcast short-range communications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, allow receipt, from the second broadcast short-range communications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, cause to be sent, from the at least one mobile device and via a second wireless communications protocol and an Internet Protocol over the Internet at least in part, a first message, and cause to be sent, from the at least one mobile device and via the second wireless communications protocol and the Internet Protocol over the Internet at least in part, a second message, where the first wireless communications protocol and the second wireless communications protocol are different and a first range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit and the second broadcast short-range communications unit when using the first wireless communications protocol is shorter than a second range of the at least one mobile device when using the second wireless communications protocol, and further where the first message and the second message are not required to be communicated through the first broadcast short-range communications unit nor the second broadcast short-range communications unit; providing access to at least one server; allowing receipt, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the first message; based on the receipt, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the first message: causing retrieval of first location-relevant information; causing to be sent, to the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, the first location-relevant information; allowing receipt, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the second message; based on the receipt, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the second message: causing retrieval of second location-relevant information; causing to be sent, to the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, the second location-relevant information; and providing access to the application which, when executed by the at least one mobile device, is configured to cause the at least one mobile device to: allow receipt, via the second wireless communications protocol and the Internet Protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the first location-relevant information, allow receipt, via the second wireless communications protocol and the Internet Protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the second location-relevant information, based on the receipt, via the second wireless communications protocol, of the first location-relevant information: cause to be output, via a display of the at least one mobile device, first visual information based on the first location-relevant information, based on the receipt, via the second wireless communications protocol, of the second location-relevant information, after the first visual information is caused to be output based on the first location-relevant information: cause to be output, via the display of the at least one mobile device, second visual information based on the second location-relevant information, and cause the at least one mobile device to operate such that the first visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the first message through the first broadcast short-range communications unit after the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages, and the second visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the second message through the second broadcast short-range communications unit after the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first message is caused to be sent in response to a receipt of first user input and the second message is caused to be sent in response to a receipt of second user input; the first location-relevant information is retrieved and sent in response to the receipt of the first message, and the second location-relevant information is retrieved and sent in response to the receipt of the second message; and the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the first location-relevant information, and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the second location-relevant information.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein: the receipt of the first user input and the causation of the output of the first visual information, both occur before the receipt of the second user input and the causation of the output of the second visual information; the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the first user input, based on the receipt, from the first broadcast short-range communications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier; and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the second user input, based on the receipt, from the second broadcast short-range communications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein: the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the first user input that is received after the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, without any other user input being received between a receipt of the first user input and the first visual information being caused to be output; and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the second user input that is received after the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, without any other user input being received between a receipt of the second user input and the second visual information being caused to be output.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first visual information includes a first plurality of images, and the second visual information includes a second plurality of images.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein each of the first plurality of images and each of the second plurality of images, each depict a different product.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein each of the first plurality of images and each of the second plurality of images, each depict a different brand.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the first visual information is an entirety of all visual information included with the first location-relevant information.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first visual information and the second visual information are caused to be output in connection with a visual information distribution feature, and the visual information distribution feature is activated in response to activation user input.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a user location in the building is displayed via a map, that is presented in addition to at least one of the first visual information or the second visual information.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the user location in the building is displayed via the map, utilizing a global positioning system (GPS).
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the user location in the building is displayed via the map simultaneously with at least one of the first visual information or the second visual information.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each include: a first identifier field with at least one third identifier that is the same for each of the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages, and a second identifier field with at least one of the at least one first identifier or the at least one second identifier.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are different, so that the second location-relevant information is caused to be output as the at least one mobile device is moved among the plurality of the portions of the building.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first wireless communications protocol is configured for communicating on a Bluetooth network and the second wireless communications protocol is configured for communicating on a WiFi or cellular network.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one third identifier reside in a payload of the one or more first broadcast messages.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier, are each not specified by the first wireless protocol, which includes a Bluetooth protocol.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier, are each not specified by the first wireless protocol, which includes an 802.15.x protocol, and the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages is accompanied by a separate header, where the address part and the separate header are specified by the 802.15.x protocol.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier, are each not specified by the first wireless protocol, and the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages includes a networking address that is specified by the first wireless protocol.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier, are each not required by the first wireless protocol.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages, are capable of being different.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages, are identical.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages are identical networking addresses that are specified by the first wireless protocol.
 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the address part includes an address, and the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each further includes at least one header separate from the address, the at least one header including at least one additional identifier.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each further includes at least three additional identifiers separate from: the at least one first identifier, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least three additional identifiers, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier of each of the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages are identical.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each further includes at least four additional identifiers separate from: the at least one first identifier, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least four additional identifiers, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier of each of the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages are identical.
 29. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each include: a first identifier field with at least one third identifier that is the same, and a second identifier field with at least one of the at least one first identifier or the at least one second identifier.
 30. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each further includes at least two additional identifiers separate from: the at least one first identifier, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least two additional identifiers, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier of each of the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages are identical.
 32. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages each include: a networking address in the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages; a first wireless protocol header that is separate from the address part and that is specified by the first wireless protocol; and a plurality of message portions that are each not specified by the first wireless protocol including: a particular identifier, the at least one first identifier, and a third identifier that is the same for the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the plurality of message portions further include a fourth identifier that is the same for the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of message portions further include a fifth identifier that is different from that of the one or more second broadcast messages.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the plurality of message portions is capable of including a fourth identifier that is the same for the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the plurality of message portions is capable of including a fifth identifier that is different from that of the one or more second broadcast messages.
 37. The method of claim 32, wherein the first wireless protocol includes a Bluetooth protocol.
 38. The method of claim 32, wherein the networking address, the first wireless protocol header, and the particular identifier are the same for the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages.
 39. The method of claim 32, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are not, by themselves, descriptive of any location.
 40. The method of claim 32, wherein: the first message is caused to be sent in response to a receipt of first user input and the second message is caused to be sent in response to a receipt of second user input; the first location-relevant information is retrieved and sent in response to the receipt of the first message, and the second location-relevant information is retrieved and sent in response to the receipt of the second message; and the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the first location-relevant information, and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the second location-relevant information; the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the first user input that is received after the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, without any other user input being received between a receipt of the first user input and the first visual information being caused to be output; the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the second user input that is received after the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, without any other user input being received between a receipt of the second user input and the second visual information being caused to be output; and the first visual information includes a first plurality of images, and the second visual information includes a second plurality of images.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein each of the first plurality of images and each of the second plurality of images, each depict a different product or brand.
 42. The method of claim 40, wherein the first visual information is an entirety of all visual information included with the first location-relevant information.
 43. The method of claim 40, wherein the first visual information and the second visual information are caused to be output in connection with a visual information distribution feature, and the visual information distribution feature is activated in response to activation user input.
 44. The method of claim 40, wherein a user location in the building is displayed via a map, that is presented in addition to at least one of the first visual information or the second visual information.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the user location in the building is displayed via the map, utilizing a global positioning system (GPS).
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein the user location in the building is displayed via the map simultaneously with at least one of the first visual information or the second visual information.
 47. The method of claim 1, wherein the address part includes an address header utilized by the first wireless communications protocol, and the one or more first broadcast messages each further includes at least one additional header that is separate from the address header and that is not specified by the first wireless communications protocol, where the at least one first identifier is also not specified by the first wireless communications protocol.
 48. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are not, by themselves, descriptive of any location.
 49. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are each accompanied by a same address that is separate from the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier.
 50. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are each accompanied by different addresses that are separate from the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier.
 51. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each include a same address that is separate from the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier, and the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages also each include different addresses that are separate from the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the same address.
 52. A method, comprising acts of: at a first broadcast short-range communications unit having a first fixed location in a building including a plurality of building portions: generating one or more first broadcast messages including at least one first identifier which is separate from an address part of the one or more first broadcast messages, broadcasting, via a first wireless communications protocol, the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, for intended receipt by a plurality of mobile devices in a communication range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit, and re-broadcasting, via the first wireless communications protocol, the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit; at a second broadcast short-range communications unit having a second fixed location in the building: generating one or more second broadcast messages including at least one second identifier which is separate from an address part of the one or more second broadcast messages, broadcasting, via the first wireless communications protocol, the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in a communication range of the second broadcast short-range communications unit, and re-broadcasting, via the first wireless communications protocol, the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the second broadcast short-range communications unit; at at least one of the plurality of mobile devices: receiving, from the first broadcast short-range communications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, receiving, from the second broadcast short-range communications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, causing to be sent, from the at least one mobile device and via a second wireless communications protocol and an Internet Protocol over the Internet at least in part, a first message, and causing to be sent, from the at least one mobile device and via the second wireless communications protocol and the Internet Protocol over the Internet at least in part, a second message, where the first wireless communications protocol and the second wireless communications protocol are different and a first range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit and the second broadcast short-range communications unit when using the first wireless communications protocol is shorter than a second range of the at least one mobile device when using the second wireless communications protocol, and further where the first message and the second message are not required to be communicated through the first broadcast short-range communications unit nor the second broadcast short-range communications unit; at at least one server: receiving, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the first message, based on the receipt, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the first message: causing retrieval of first location-relevant information, causing to be sent, to the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, the first location-relevant information, receiving, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the second message, based on the receipt, from the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the second message: causing retrieval of second location-relevant information, and causing to be sent, to the at least one mobile device and via the Internet protocol over the Internet at least in part, the second location-relevant information; and at the at least one mobile device: receiving, via the second wireless communications protocol and the Internet Protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the first location-relevant information, receiving, via the second wireless communications protocol and the Internet Protocol over the Internet at least in part, of the second location-relevant information, based on the receipt, via the second wireless communications protocol, of the first location-relevant information: causing to be output, via a display of the at least one mobile device, first visual information based on the first location-relevant information, based on the receipt, via the second wireless communications protocol, of the second location-relevant information, after the first visual information is caused to be output based on the first location-relevant information: causing to be output, via the display of the at least one mobile device, second visual information based on the second location-relevant information, and causing the at least one mobile device to operate such that the first visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the first message through the first broadcast short-range communications unit after the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages, and the second visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the second message through the second broadcast short-range communications unit after the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein: the first message is caused to be sent in response to a receipt of first user input and the second message is caused to be sent in response to a receipt of second user input; the first location-relevant information is retrieved and sent in response to the receipt of the first message, and the second location-relevant information is retrieved and sent in response to the receipt of the second message; and the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the first location-relevant information, and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the second location-relevant information.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein: the receipt of the first user input and the causation of the output of the first visual information, both occur before the receipt of the second user input and the causation of the output of the second visual information; the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the first user input, based on the receipt, from the first broadcast short-range communications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier; and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the second user input, based on the receipt, from the second broadcast short-range communications unit and via the first wireless communications protocol, of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier.
 55. The method of claim 53, wherein: the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the first user input that is received after the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, without any other user input being received between a receipt of the first user input and the first visual information being caused to be output; and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the second user input that is received after the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, without any other user input being received between a receipt of the second user input and the second visual information being caused to be output.
 56. The method of claim 52, wherein the first visual information includes a first plurality of images, and the second visual information includes a second plurality of images.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein each of the first plurality of images and each of the second plurality of images, each depict a different product.
 58. The method of claim 56, wherein each of the first plurality of images and each of the second plurality of images, each depict a different brand.
 59. The method of claim 56, wherein the first visual information is an entirety of all visual information included with the first location-relevant information.
 60. The method of claim 52, wherein the first visual information and the second visual information are caused to be output in connection with a visual information distribution feature, and the visual information distribution feature is activated in response to activation user input.
 61. The method of claim 52, wherein a user location in the building is displayed via a map, that is presented in addition to at least one of the first visual information or the second visual information.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the user location in the building is displayed via the map, utilizing a global positioning system (GPS).
 63. The method of claim 61, wherein the user location in the building is displayed via the map simultaneously with at least one of the first visual information or the second visual information.
 64. The method of claim 52, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each include: a first identifier field with at least one third identifier that is the same for each of the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages, and a second identifier field with at least one of the at least one first identifier or the at least one second identifier.
 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are different, so that the second location-relevant information is caused to be output as the at least one mobile device is moved among the plurality of the portions of the building.
 66. The method of claim 64, wherein the first wireless communications protocol is configured for communicating on a Bluetooth network and the second wireless communications protocol is configured for communicating on a WiFi or cellular network.
 67. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one third identifier reside in a payload of the one or more first broadcast messages.
 68. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier, are each not specified by the first wireless protocol, which includes a Bluetooth protocol.
 69. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier, are each not specified by the first wireless protocol, which includes an 802.15.x protocol, and the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages is accompanied by a separate header, where the address part and the separate header are specified by the 802.15.x protocol.
 70. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier, are each not specified by the first wireless protocol, and the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages includes a networking address that is specified by the first wireless protocol.
 71. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier, are each not required by the first wireless protocol.
 72. The method of claim 52, wherein the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages, are capable of being different.
 73. The method of claim 52, wherein the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages, are identical.
 74. The method of claim 52, wherein the address part includes an address, and the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each further includes at least one header separate from the address, the at least one header including at least one additional identifier.
 75. The method of claim 74, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each further includes at least three additional identifiers separate from: the at least one first identifier, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier.
 76. The method of claim 75, wherein the at least three additional identifiers, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier of each of the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages are identical.
 77. The method of claim 74, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each further includes at least four additional identifiers separate from: the at least one first identifier, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier.
 78. The method of claim 77, wherein the at least four additional identifiers, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier of each of the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages are identical.
 79. The method of claim 74, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each include: a first identifier field with at least one third identifier that is the same, and a second identifier field with at least one of the at least one first identifier or the at least one second identifier.
 80. The method of claim 74, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each further includes at least two additional identifiers separate from: the at least one first identifier, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier.
 81. The method of claim 80, wherein the at least two additional identifiers, the address, the at least one header, and the at least one additional identifier of each of the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages are identical.
 82. The method of claim 52, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages each include: a networking address in the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages; a first wireless protocol header that is separate from the address part and that is specified by the first wireless protocol; and a plurality of message portions that are each not specified by the first wireless protocol including: a particular identifier, the at least one first identifier, and a third identifier that is the same for the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages.
 83. The method of claim 82, wherein the plurality of message portions further include a fourth identifier that is the same for the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages.
 84. The method of claim 83, wherein the plurality of message portions further include a fifth identifier that is different from that of the one or more second broadcast messages.
 85. The method of claim 82, wherein the plurality of message portions is capable of including a fourth identifier that is the same for the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages.
 86. The method of claim 85, wherein the plurality of message portions is capable of including a fifth identifier that is different from that of the one or more second broadcast messages.
 87. The method of claim 82, wherein the first wireless protocol includes a Bluetooth protocol.
 88. The method of claim 82, wherein the networking address, the first wireless protocol header, and the particular identifier are the same for the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages.
 89. The method of claim 82, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are not, by themselves, descriptive of any location.
 90. The method of claim 82, wherein: the first message is caused to be sent in response to a receipt of first user input and the second message is caused to be sent in response to a receipt of second user input; the first location-relevant information is retrieved and sent in response to the receipt of the first message, and the second location-relevant information is retrieved and sent in response to the receipt of the second message; and the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the first location-relevant information, and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the second location-relevant information; the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the first user input that is received after the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages including the at least one first identifier, without any other user input being received between a receipt of the first user input and the first visual information being caused to be output; the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the second user input that is received after the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages including the at least one second identifier, without any other user input being received between a receipt of the second user input and the second visual information being caused to be output; and the first visual information includes a first plurality of images, and the second visual information includes a second plurality of images.
 91. The method of claim 90, wherein each of the first plurality of images and each of the second plurality of images, each depict a different product or brand.
 92. The method of claim 90, wherein the first visual information is an entirety of all visual information included with the first location-relevant information.
 93. The method of claim 90, wherein the first visual information and the second visual information are caused to be output in connection with a visual information distribution feature, and the visual information distribution feature is activated in response to activation user input.
 94. The method of claim 90, wherein a user location in the building is displayed via a map, that is presented in addition to at least one of the first visual information or the second visual information.
 95. The method of claim 94, wherein the user location in the building is displayed via the map, utilizing a global positioning system (GPS).
 96. The method of claim 95 wherein the user location in the building is displayed via the map simultaneously with at least one of the first visual information or the second visual information.
 97. The method of claim 52, wherein the address part includes an address header utilized by the first wireless communications protocol, and the one or more first broadcast messages each further includes at least one additional header that is separate from the address header and that is not specified by the first wireless communications protocol, where the at least one first identifier is also not specified by the first wireless communications protocol.
 98. The method of claim 52, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are not, by themselves, descriptive of any location.
 99. The method of claim 52, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are each accompanied by a same address that is separate from the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier.
 100. The method of claim 52, wherein the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier are each accompanied by different addresses that are separate from the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier.
 101. The method of claim 52, wherein the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages each include a same address that is separate from the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier, and the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages also each include different addresses that are separate from the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the same address.
 102. The method of claim 52, wherein the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages are identical networking addresses that are specified by the first wireless protocol.
 103. The method of claim 52, wherein the at least one first identifier is associated with the first location-relevant information, and the at least one second identifier is associated with the second location-relevant information.
 104. The method of claim 52, wherein the output of the first visual information and the second visual information are conditionally caused based on whether a mobile device-specific threshold has been met.
 105. The method of claim 52, wherein the first broadcast short-range communications unit broadcasts the one or more first broadcast messages and the second broadcast short-range communications unit broadcasts the one or more second broadcast messages, so that both the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages include: a first identifier field with at least one third identifier that is the same, and a second identifier field with at least one of the at least one first identifier or the at least one second identifier that are different, so that the second location-relevant information is caused as the at least one mobile device is moved among the plurality of the portions of the building.
 106. The method of claim 105, wherein a computer is configured to display at least one configuration interface for receiving an administrator input in connection with the at least one first identifier, the at least one second identifier, and the at least one third identifier.
 107. The method of claim 52, wherein, after receipt of an indication of user input, the first visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages that are broadcasted after the receipt of the indication of the user input, and the second visual information is caused to be output in response to the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages that are broadcasted after the receipt of the indication of the user input.
 108. The method of claim 52, wherein the second visual information is caused to be output in response to user input.
 109. The method of claim 52, wherein both the first visual information and the second visual information are based on user-specific demographic and preference information, and different brand- or product-specific visual information is caused to be output as the at least one mobile device is moved among the plurality of portions in the building.
 110. The method of claim 52, wherein the first broadcast short-range communications unit is incapable of accessing the first location-relevant information, and the second broadcast short-range communications unit is incapable of accessing the second location-relevant information.
 111. The method of claim 52, wherein both the first visual information and the second visual information are output based on user feedback information received from a user of the at least one mobile device.
 112. The method of claim 52, wherein the first wireless communications protocol is configured for communicating on a sensor network and the second wireless communications protocol is configured for communicating on a WiFi or cellular network.
 113. The method of claim 52, wherein at least one of: the building includes a shopping mall, and the plurality of portions include different private portions associated with different brands, and further include at least one public food court that includes at least one public food court broadcast short-range communications unit; or the building includes a retail space, and the plurality of portions have different locations in the retail space and are associated with different product types.
 114. The method of claim 52, wherein the second visual information is caused to be output in response to user input.
 115. The method of claim 52, wherein the first broadcast short-range communications unit is incapable of accessing the first location-relevant information, and the second broadcast short-range communications unit is incapable of accessing the second location-relevant information.
 116. The method of claim 52, wherein the at least one first identifier is associated with the first location-relevant information, and the at least one second identifier is associated with the second location-relevant information.
 117. The method of claim 52, wherein the output of the first visual information and the second visual information are conditionally caused based on whether a mobile device-specific threshold has been met.
 118. The method of claim 52, wherein the first broadcast short-range communications unit broadcasts the one or more first broadcast messages and the second broadcast short-range communications unit broadcasts the one or more second broadcast messages, so that both the one or more first broadcast messages and the one or more second broadcast messages include: a first identifier field with at least one third identifier that is the same, and a second identifier field with at least one of the at least one first identifier or the at least one second identifier that are different, so that the second location-relevant information is caused as the at least one mobile device is moved among the plurality of the portions of the building.
 119. The method of claim 52, wherein at least one of: a location of the at least one mobile device is capable of being identified by cooperating with a plurality of wireless components utilizing received signal strength measurements; the second wireless communications protocol includes a WiFi wireless communications protocol; the second wireless communications protocol includes a cellular wireless communications protocol; the networking address is an advertisement address; the networking address is an access address; the networking address is a broadcast address; the networking address is included in another header; the networking address is a proxy address; the plurality of message portions include a plurality of fields; the address part includes an address portion; the address part includes a header; each element of the method includes an act; each element of the method does not include a step; the address part is a header; the address part is a header; the address part is a header identifying the destination of at least one message; the address part is a header identifying a message destination; the address part is a header identifying at least one message as a broadcast message; the address part indicates a broadcast instead of a destination; the first message includes the at least one first identifier; the first message includes the at least one first identifier, and the at least one first identifier takes the same form in connection with the one or more first broadcast messages and the first message; the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages includes a signal that results from the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages; the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages, includes the at least one first identifier; the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages includes an address part, a plurality of fields, and the at least one first identifier; of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages includes at least one signal received at a processor of the at least one mobile device, where the at least one signal is received at the processor in response to a receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages at a network interface of the at least one mobile device; the at least one first identifier is separate from the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages, by residing in a payload of the one or more first broadcast messages; the at least one first identifier is separate from the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages, by being a separate component of the one or more first broadcast messages; the at least one first identifier is separate from the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages, by not being included in the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages; the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages are different portions, but include the same address; the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages are different portions, but include the same address; the address part of the one or more first broadcast messages and the address part of the one or more second broadcast messages are the same portion of different messages; the first message is received at a network interface of the at least one server; the at least one first identifier includes an address; the at least one first identifier includes an identifier; the first and second messages are caused to be sent before receipt of an indication of user input; the first and second messages are caused to be sent after receipt of an indication of user input; the first and second messages are caused to be sent in response to receipt of an indication of user input; the first message includes the at least one first identifier; the first message is based on the at least one first identifier; the first message is independent of the at least one first identifier; the first message is used in retrieving the first location-relevant information by being used to locate the first location-relevant information; the first message is caused to be sent over the Internet at least in part, such that the first message travels along a path that includes a first part that includes at least a portion of the Internet, and a second part that includes at least a portion of another network that is separate from the Internet; the first message is caused to be sent over the Internet at least in part, such that the first message travels along a path that includes only the Internet; the first and second broadcast short-range communications units are short-range by virtue of, when using the first wireless communications protocol, the first range is shorter than the second range of the at least one mobile device when using the second wireless communications protocol; the first and second broadcast short-range communications units are short-range as compared to the second range of the at least one mobile device when using the second wireless communications protocol; the second visual information is also capable of being caused to be output based on the second location-relevant information, before the first visual information is caused to be output based on the first location-relevant information; the one or more first broadcast messages are received and the first message is caused to be sent via the same network I/O unit; the one or more first broadcast messages are received and the first message is caused to be sent via different network I/O units; the first broadcast short-range communications unit is configured to automatically generate the one or more first broadcast messages for an unsolicited broadcast thereof; the Internet protocol includes a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet protocol; the plurality of building portions of the building include one or more spaces; the plurality of building portions of the building include one or more spaces or areas therein; the plurality of building portions of the building include one or more departments; the plurality of building portions of the building include one or more departments inside the building; the building is associated with a single brand; the building, including the building portions, are associated with a single brand; the building is a single store; the plurality of building portions of the building include one or more facilities; the plurality of building portions of the building include a plurality of facilities, including two or more distinct venues or stores, each built, installed, or established to serve a particular purpose, brand or company; the building includes a retail space; the building includes an arena; the building includes a sports venue; the building includes an open-air building; the building includes a roof; the building includes a retail space in a shopping mall; the at least one first identifier is subdivided into a plurality of data locations; the first visual information, the second visual information, the first location-relevant information, the second location-relevant information, and the causing to be output, are mobile device-independent; the first broadcast short-range communications unit includes a dedicated unit; the first broadcast short-range communications unit includes a network information outlet; the first broadcast short-range communications unit includes a dedicated short-range communications roadside unit; the first broadcast short-range communications unit is capable of only transmitting; the first broadcast short-range communications unit is capable of transmitting and receiving; the first range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit is that mandated by a Bluetooth wireless communications protocol; the first fixed location results from an installation of the first broadcast short-range communications unit at the first fixed location; the first fixed location results from an installation of the first broadcast short-range communications unit, which is initially portable, at the first fixed location; the second fixed location results from an installation of the second broadcast short-range communications unit at the second fixed location; the second fixed location results from an installation of the second broadcast short-range communications unit, which is initially portable, at the second fixed location; the first wireless communications protocol includes a Bluetooth protocol; the second visual information, the second visual information, the second location-relevant information, the second location-relevant information, and the causing to be output, are mobile device-independent; the second broadcast short-range communications unit includes a dedicated unit; the second broadcast short-range communications unit includes a network information outlet; the second broadcast short-range communications unit includes a dedicated short-range communications roadside unit; the second broadcast short-range communications unit is capable of only transmitting; the second broadcast short-range communications unit is capable of transmitting and receiving; the first range of the second broadcast short-range communications unit is that mandated by a Bluetooth wireless communications protocol; the second fixed location results from an installation of the second broadcast short-range communications unit at the second fixed location; the second wireless communications protocol includes a Bluetooth protocol; the causing to be output is carried out, at least in part, by the at least one mobile device and is caused, at least in part, by the application; the causing to be output is carried out, at least in part, by the at least one mobile device and is supported, at least in part, by the application; the application includes at least one of computer instructions or computer code; the causing to be output is based on the first location-relevant information, by outputting at least a portion of the first location-relevant information; the causing to be output is based on the first location-relevant information, by causing output of the first visual information so as to include at least a portion of the first location-relevant information; the causing to be output is based on the second location-relevant information, by outputting at least a portion of the second location-relevant information; the causing to be output is based on the second location-relevant information, by causing output of the second visual information so as to include at least a portion of the second location-relevant information; the causing to be output is based on the first location-relevant information and the second location-relevant information, by causing output of the first visual information and the second visual information, so as to include different portions of a set of location-relevant information; the first location-relevant information includes first particular information that is relevant to the first fixed location; the first location-relevant information includes first particular information that is relevant to a brand located at a location; the first location-relevant information includes first particular information that is relevant to a product located at a location; the first location-relevant information is associated with the at least one first identifier, by being retrieved based on the at least one first identifier; the first location-relevant information is associated with the at least one first identifier, so as to be retrieved from memory on the at least one mobile device based on the at least one first identifier; the first location-relevant information is associated with the at least one first identifier, so as to be retrieved from memory on the at least one server based on the at least one first identifier; the first visual information is caused to be output based on the first location-relevant information, by including at least a portion of the first location-relevant information; the first visual information is caused to be output based on the first location-relevant information, by being triggered in response to the receipt of the first location-relevant information; the one or more first broadcast messages and the first message are of a different format; the one or more first broadcast messages and the first message are identical; the one or more first broadcast messages and the first message are the same in at least one aspect; the one or more first broadcast messages and the first message are different in at least one aspect; the first visual information is derived from the first location-relevant information; the first visual information is based on the first location-relevant information; the first visual information includes at least a portion of the first location-relevant information; the first location-relevant information and the second location-relevant information caused to be sent together; the first and second messages are caused to be sent together; the first and second messages are caused to be sent separately; the first and second messages are received together; the first and second messages are received separately; the first location-relevant information and the second location-relevant information are caused to be sent separately; the first location-relevant information and the second location-relevant information are caused to be sent together; the first location-relevant information and the second location-relevant information are caused to be retrieved separately; the first location-relevant information and the second location-relevant information are caused to be retrieved together; the first location-relevant information and the second location-relevant information are received separately; the first location-relevant information and the second location-relevant information are received together; the second location-relevant information includes second particular information that is relevant to the second fixed location; the second location-relevant information includes second particular information that is relevant to a brand located at a location; the second location-relevant information includes second particular information that is relevant to a product located at a location; the second location-relevant information is associated with the at least one second identifier, by being retrieved based on the at least one second identifier; the second location-relevant information is associated with the at least one second identifier, so as to be retrieved from memory on the at least one mobile device based on the at least one second identifier; the second location-relevant information is associated with the at least one second identifier, so as to be retrieved from memory on the at least one server based on the at least one second identifier; the second visual information is caused to be output based on the second location-relevant information, by including at least a portion of the second location-relevant information; the second visual information is caused to be output based on the second location-relevant information, by being triggered in response to the receipt of the second location-relevant information; the one or more second broadcast messages and the second message; the one or more second broadcast messages and the second message are identical; the one or more second broadcast messages and the second message are the same in at least one aspect; the one or more second broadcast messages and the second message are different in at least one aspect; the second visual information is derived from the second location-relevant information; the second visual information is based on the second location-relevant information; the second visual information includes at least a portion of the second location-relevant information; the output of the first visual information is caused after the receipt of the first location-relevant information, by being caused in response to the receipt of the first location-relevant information; the output of the first visual information is caused in response to the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages, by retrieving the first location-relevant information from memory on the at least one mobile device in response to the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages; the one or more first broadcast messages are broadcasted and re-broadcasted for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit, where the one or more first broadcast messages are broadcasted and re-broadcasted for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices at the same time; the one or more first broadcast messages are broadcasted and re-broadcasted for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the first broadcast short-range communications unit, where the one or more first broadcast messages are broadcasted and re-broadcasted for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices at different times; the causation of the output of the first visual information is triggered based on a location of the at least one mobile device; the causation of the output of the first visual information is triggered based on the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages; the causation of the output of the first visual information and the second visual information is conditioned on receipt of an indication of user input; the first visual information is caused to be output after requiring communication of the first message with the at least one server after the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages; the second visual information is caused to be output after requiring communication of the second message with the at least one server after the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages; the first visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the first message with the at least one server after the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages; the second visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the second message with the at least one server after the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages; the first visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the first message with the first broadcast short-range communications unit after the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages, by not requiring the communication of the first message, but allowing the communication of the first message; the first visual information is caused to be output by requiring communication of the first message with the first broadcast short-range communications unit before the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages; the second visual information is caused to be output by requiring communication of the second message with the second broadcast short-range communications unit before the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages; the first visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the first message with the first broadcast short-range communications unit before the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more first broadcast messages; the second visual information is caused to be output without requiring communication of the second message with the second broadcast short-range communications unit before the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages; the output of the second visual information is caused in response to the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages, by retrieving the second location-relevant information from memory on the at least one mobile device in response to the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages; the one or more second broadcast messages are broadcasted and re-broadcasted for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the second broadcast short-range communications unit, where the one or more second broadcast messages are broadcasted and re-broadcasted for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices at the same time; the one or more second broadcast messages are broadcasted and re-broadcasted for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices in the communication range of the second broadcast short-range communications unit, where the one or more second broadcast messages are broadcasted and re-broadcasted for intended receipt by the plurality of mobile devices at different times; the causation of the output of the second visual information is triggered based on a location of the at least one mobile device; the causation of the output of the second visual information is triggered based on the receipt of the indication of the receipt of the one or more second broadcast messages; the causation of the output of the second visual information and the second visual information is conditioned on receipt of an indication of user input; the first visual information is automatically caused to be output, and the second visual information is automatically caused to be output; the method comprising: providing the at least one mobile device; the at least one server includes a proxy server. 